This year, ARTICLE 9 (Capital appropriations and other new equipment), includes a request for $800,000 for library renovations. For more information, please review these Frequently Asked Questions.
FAQ: Vineyard Haven Public Library Renovation and Addition Project
With the COVID-19 pandemic having led to delays in both critical
building repairs and a long planned meeting room addition, Town and Library
Administration agree that necessary repairs to the existing library building
and the meeting room construction would be best combined into a single renovation
and addition project, to limit interruptions to library services for the
public, as well as achieve significant cost savings.
Funds from Warrant article 9(a) will be combined with
existing funding for building repairs, and used to contract an owner’s project
manager (OPM) to provide project management services, develop plans and
cost estimates, and oversee construction for a combined renovation and addition
project. The renovation and addition will include environmental upgrades for sustainability,
much needed storage, and flexible meeting facilities that will position the
library to deliver optimal services to our community for years to come.
What work needs to be
done on the existing building?
Almost 25 years since the last renovation and addition, the
library building has damage and wear, failing systems, and accessibility
issues. The renovation will address these issues and make the building more
weather-tight and energy efficient. Issues to be addressed include the
following:
- Roof is in need of replacement, repair and insulation, and
to be prepared for rooftop solar
- Heating & cooling systems need to be redesigned,
repaired and replaced (including additional ventilation)
- Bathrooms have accessibility & plumbing issues,
causing odors and other problems
- Windows throughout the building are damaged or inoperable,
and not weather-tight
- Interior painting and carpeting have not been redone since
the 1999 renovation
- Interior ceilings tiles and light fixtures throughout the
building are missing or damaged
- Landscaping and entryways have damage, accessibility
issues, and plantings that have outgrown the space
What is the status of
the capital campaign for the library addition?
The VHPL Building Fund, a 501c3 nonprofit, has undertaken a
Capital Campaign to fund the addition to the building, which will create a
1,200 square foot multipurpose meeting room, significant additional basement
space, and make improvements to the reading room and garden area. The campaign
has gifts or pledges nearing $1.5 million, and the volunteers will continue
fundraising through the beginning of construction.
Why can’t the project
be funded by grants?
VHPL will not be eligible for funding through the state
Library Construction Grant Program until 2029, and there is no guarantee that
the grant program will have funding at that time (projects remain on the
waiting list since the 2017 grant round).
The library building fund has received a number of generous
grants from private foundations for the meeting room addition, but grant
funding is limited as many local foundations do not support capital projects by
organizations like the library that can be sustained by tax-payer dollars.
Didn’t the library
already have funds appropriated for interior renovations?
Approximately $350,000 remains unexpended from approximately
$400,000 approved at Annual Town Meetings for FY2021 – FY2023. These appropriations
were for specific purposes not including Owner’s Project Management, and are insufficient
for the scope of work needed. (Articles for $120,000 for replacement of floor
coverings and interior painting approved at Town Meetings prior to FY2018 were
never expended and have expired.)
Why is the Meeting
Room addition important?
Since 2007, the Vineyard Haven Public library has
experienced more than 300% growth in attendance at adult programs. The library
hosts at least 40 events each month for all ages, and attendance has continued
to be robust, with more than 6,000 attendees at online and in-person events in
FY2022.
In order to safely gather our community for future in-person
events we will need a larger space with proper ventilation. The planned community
room will have up-to-date technology, ample storage, and appropriate lighting
and acoustics. Features will include large windows and doors looking out to the
garden, a state-of-the art sound system including an assisted hearing loop, and
a large projection screen with high resolution projection system. The project
will also include technology and features to allow for quality live streaming
of programs for those who can't attend in person.
The room will also be available as a meeting space for area
nonprofits, government organizations, and social service providers, and will be
used as a collaborative work space for library visitors. Having a large and
flexible multipurpose space will allow the library to respond to other
community needs, such as serving as cooling center.
How will the courtyard
garden area be impacted?
The addition will encompass a portion of the existing patio
garden but is sited to leave a large garden area (approximately 2,000 square
feet) remaining. Landscaping will increase accessibility and improve
interaction between the meeting room, reading room, and garden space. The
project will include a new interpretation of the Shakespeare Garden dedicated
to Margaret Webster, that was lost in the 1999 renovation.
Will there be enough
parking to accommodate the attendance at library events?
Our review of the recent programs indicate that the new room
will not significantly change the number of attendees, but will allow for more
flexibility, fewer disruptions to other uses of the Library, and more appropriate
accommodations. Many citizens currently walk to the Library and others who do
drive find sufficient parking nearby (more than 80 street parking spaces are available
within walking distance).
Is the project being
designed in such a way that it is environmentally friendly and sustainable?
Our architects are creating a plan to improve the
sustainability of the entire library with many new windows, a state-of-the art
HVAC system, passive lighting, and the addition of solar panels.
Will the Library be
open during renovation?
The library building will need to be closed for a period
during renovation, but the library will plan to provide services from a
temporary location. The repairs and addition can be done at the same time to
avoid multiple closures.
