Library Renovation and Addition Project Update

May 28th 2024 Annual Town Meeting article 5 c (Community Preservation Act Projects) will fund $150,000 for rehabilitation and renovation of the Library courtyard, to include design, landscaping, fencing, plantings, seating areas, accessible paths, hardscaping, and regrading to correct water infiltration to the library building.

ARTICLE  5 c SUMMARY

• This warrant article will partly fund the Rehabilitation and Restoration of the Library Courtyard, an existing community “pocket park” with seating and WiFi access, used by individuals as well as for library programs.
• The Courtyard improvements are part of a larger addition and renovation project for the library,  in planning since 2017, and expected to break ground in FY 2025.
• 24 years since the last renovation of the library, plantings have outgrown the space, brickwork has settled to create tripping hazards, and regrading is needed to create proper pitch to shed water away from the building.
• During early planning for renovation and addition project, public input showed community interest in maintaining and improving outdoor space at the library, as well as honoring the legacy of Margaret Webster, Vineyard resident and groundbreaking figure in the theater. (The “Shakespeare Garden” honoring Margaret Webster was eliminated during the last renovation of the library in 1999).
• The plans for the addition and renovation of the building were created to maximize the remaining garden space as well as its relationship to the building, both by creating new opportunities for indoor-outdoor programming, and improving views of the garden space from with the building.
• While the planned addition to the building will encompass a portion of the existing Library Courtyard, a large public outdoor area (approximately 2,000 square feet) will remain. The amount of usable outdoor public space will remain similar, since the current poor layout limits activity to a smaller hedged-in brick patio area.
• The newly created hardscaped area will adjoin the new community meeting room in the addition. Project planners expect that public use of the garden will increase as it will be available for indoor-outdoor programs.
• CPC funds will be used for the hardscaping, seating areas, new plantings, accessible paths, and for a new version of the former Shakespeare Garden similar in dimension, but featuring hardier perennial plants.
• A planted border and fencing will maintain privacy both for library users and for abutters, since the courtyard is in a residential neighborhood.

What is the status and timeline of the planned renovation and addition project for the library?

Town and Library Administration agree that critical repairs to the existing library building and the construction of a meeting room should be 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 appropriated at the April 2023 Town Meeting are being used for Owner’s Project Management services being provided by CHA Solutions, and to fund a review and assessment of existing conditions for the library building and grounds, completed in January 2024 by Tappe Architects.

Project designers Maryann Thompson, Architects, have produced a detailed schematic design for the addition, with a conceptual design for the courtyard landscaping, and will be completing construction documents for the combined addition and renovation of the existing library building by September 2024.

The project will break ground in FY2025, pending completion of the capital campaign and appropriation of funding for building repairs at a fall/winter Special Town Meeting.

What work needs to be done on the building?

While the building assessment identified no structural concerns, 24 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 repair and insulation, and preparation for rooftop solar
• Redesign and replacement of heating & cooling systems, including additional ventilation
• Update of electrical and plumbing to bring systems up to current codes
• Bathroom renovation, including correcting accessibility and plumbing issues causing odor problems
• Replacement of damaged, leaking, and inoperable windows throughout the building
• Interior painting and floor coverings (not done since the 1999 renovation)
• Repair and replace ceiling tiles and light fixtures throughout the building that are missing or damaged
• Repair or removal of masonry chimney (before it manifests as a structural issue)

·        Address issues identified in 2019 Accessibility Survey for building and grounds

·        Other repairs to the building envelope, and environmental upgrades for sustainability

·        Meeting room addition, to include much needed storage and flexible meeting facilities that will position the library to deliver optimal services to our community for years to come

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 over $1.5 million to cover the cost of the addition, and the volunteers will continue fundraising through the beginning of construction.

Why can’t the project be funded by grants?

Vineyard Haven 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, and will be seeking grants for some sustainability upgrades.

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 7,500 attendees at library programs in FY2024.

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.

Will the Library be open during renovation?

The library building will need to be closed for a period during renovation, but the library will provide services from a temporary location in Tisbury. While some books will be in storage, library patrons will be able to request items from the CLAMS system for pickup in Tisbury. The repairs and addition will be done at the same time to avoid multiple closures.

Virtual Art History Series, Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

This June, the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library will sponsor a series of free virtual art history lectures, on Thursday mornings at 10:30 am on Zoom. All programs will be recorded, and registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. This series is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Tewksbury Library, Corning Community Impact & Investment, and the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library.

10:30 am Thursday June 6th REGISTER
The Impressionists--Imagining the Modern 
Today, everyone loves the Impressionists, and 2024 is the 150th anniversary of the First Impressionist Exhibition, held in Paris in 1874. But many don’t know that the Impressionists and their avant-garde works were initially reviled by the critics and rejected by the public. If you can’t get to Paris to see the Musée D’Orsay’s blockbuster exhibition Paris 1874: Inventing impressionism, this is the next best thing! Learn the compelling story of how this beloved art movement was born and why it flourished. View some of favorite paintings, as well as others that will be new to you. Led by Janet Mandel, a retired 32-year art history teacher, who now presents illustrated talks on a variety of art history topics at colleges & universities, libraries, museums, senior centers, and community centers.

10:30 am Thursday June 13th REGISTER
New Hampshire Art & Artists Through The Years 
New Hampshire has attracted and inspired artists since the colonial era. What is distinctive about the art made there? Explore works by itinerant and folk painters, landscape artists drawn to the state's scenic vistas, and modern artists that adopted bold styles to depict everyday life in the Granite State. Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Childe Hassam, and Maxfield Parrish are some of the artists discussed in this program. Led by art historian Jane Oneail, founder of Culturally Curious, a company that curates and delivers art appreciation programs for audiences worldwide. With a Master’s in Art History from Boston University and a Master’s in Education from Harvard University, Oneail has worked at some of New Hampshire's most esteemed cultural institutions, including as Executive Director of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen and Senior Educator at the Currier Museum of Art. She has also taught at the college level for more than a decade, most recently at Southern New Hampshire University.

10:30 am Thursday June 20th REGISTER
Creative Couples‑‑Lee Krasner & Jackson Pollock and Helen Frankenthaler & Robert Motherwell 
Examine the relationship of two artistic couples who worked in New York City in the mid 20th Century -- Lee Krasner & Jackson Pollock and Helen Frankenthaler & Robert Motherwell. Explore the contributions of these two creative couples in the artistic revolution of Abstract Expressionism. Although 20 years apart in age, Lee and Helen knew each other and traveled in the same artistic circles in the 1950s. Led by Martha Chiarchiaro, owner of Seeing History, who has brought history to life through the art of the times for more than 30 years. She received her Masters’ degree in the History of Art from Williams College and provides a variety of art history presentations at the Worcester Art Museum, the Worcester Institute for Senior Education (WISE), libraries, senior centers, and garden clubs.

10:30 am Thursday June 27th REGISTER
The Landscape As Canvas‑‑Earth Art
In the 1960s and 70s, artists like Robert Smithson, Nancy Holt, and Ana Mendietta began the revolutionary practice of making art using materials from the natural world. Learn more about the inspiration  for the movement and get insight into the works of several leading artists, including Andy Goldsworthy. Led by art historian Jane Oneail, founder of Culturally Curious.

Full Time & Part Time Positions at Vineyard Haven Library

Vineyard Haven Library is hiring!

CHILDREN’S LIBRARIAN. Creative and organized individual needed to provide outstanding customer service in a busy public library. The position performs professional work in planning, implementing and managing a comprehensive program of service to children and families, which includes but is not limited to collection development; planning and executing programs for children and caregivers; reader’s advisory and reference service; and computer support and instruction. Requires Bachelor’s Degree with coursework or experience with children's literature, child development, and library services for children. Master’s Degree in Library Science or equivalent preferred. Full-time (40 hours/week) year-round schedule includes evenings and weekends. Permanent year-round position with full benefits under union contract, salary range $58,956 -$73,706. Qualified applicants should submit an application, resume and cover letter to pbennett@tisburyma.gov by June 14 2024.  EOE.

SEASONAL Part-time/Substitute Library Aide to assist with summer programs for children and teens such as storytimes and crafts. $24.44 per hour. Variable schedule up to 20 hours per week may include some weekend and evening hours. Two or more years of college and experience working with children and families is preferred. Qualified applicants should submit resume and application by June 1 2024.  EOE.

Apply online:

https://towntisbury.seamlessdocs.com/f/Employment_Application_Revised_3_19

Culinary Series Sponsored by the Library Friends!

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are kicking off summer programming with a series of special culinary events, to be held in-person at the library.

All events are free to attend, but may require advance registration, and class size may be limited.
 

Film Screening: The Taste of Things [In-person] 6 pm Thursday May 30th This sumptuous award-winning period love story set in France in 1889, follows the life of Dodin Bouffant as a chef living with his personal cook and lover Eugénie. They share a long history of gastronomy and love but Eugénie refuses to marry Dodin, so the food lover decides to do something he has never done before: cook for her. 2 hours 16 minutes. In French with Subtitles. Rated PG-13.

History in Crust: Pastry and Power in 17th-Century New England [In-person] 6 pm Tuesday June 4th Food historian Paula Marcoux will share stories of the first colonial pastries—one French and one English—baked on the shores of Massachusetts. You’ll learn what is known of their bakers, the singular situations in which the baking occurred, the most probable types of ovens to have been used, and best of all, how the pies were likely to appear and taste.

Cheese 101 with MV Cheesery [In-person] 6 pm Tuesday June 11th Join us for a "Cheese 101" workshop where you can ask a monger your most burning cheese questions and sample artisanal cheeses! Presented by Morgen Schroeder of Martha's Vineyard Cheesery and Catboat Coffee. Registration required - REGISTER HERE

Induction Cooking with Cathy Walthers  [In-person] 6 pm Tuesday June 18th Local chef and cookbook author Catherine Walthers will demonstrate using an induction cooktop and talk about the advantages, for cooking, health, and the environment. The class will include a cooking demonstration with food samples.  Registration required - REGISTER HERE

A Culinary History of Martha's Vineyard [In-person] 6 pm Tuesday June 25th Martha's Vineyard is a culinary melting pot, with Native Americans, Blacks, European settlers and Azoreans contributing to a diverse culinary history. Local authors Tom and Joyce Dresser share the history, ingredients, recipes and images of this flavorful island. Book signing and refreshments to follow the talk.

Enjoy books? You will enjoy being a Friend of the Library! Annual dues of $25 to provide financial support for the library and its programs. Volunteer opportunities are also available -- volunteering is an great way to meet island neighbors while helping to support the library! Our monthly meetings are open to all, so come and learn what you can do to support and help.

For more information or to join the Friends, download our brochure and membership application.

Tisbury Town Meeting May 28th at the High School Performing Arts Center

Town Meeting at the High School Performing Arts Center May 28th

The Tisbury Annual & Special Town Meetings will be held at 7:00pm on Tuesday May 28th, at the MV High School Performing Arts Center. Visit the Town of Tisbury's website to view the warrants.

ARTICLE 5, TO FUND VARIOUS COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT PROJECTS, includes funding for the Restoration and Rehabilitation of the Vineyard Haven Public Library Courtyard, that will be part of the Library's Renovation and Addition project starting in FY2025.