[Go Back]

Library Renewal Project

Project Timeline to Date

  • August 21, 2019:  The Invitation to Bid was made public.  All bids are due by Friday, September 13, 2019.
  • February 13, 2019:  The Library Board of Trustees voted to engage the construction management services of Burlington Construction Co.
  • November 21, 2018:  Request for Qualifications for Construction Managers posted.
  • October 16, 2018:  The Library Board of Trustees voted to engage the architectural services of TSKP Studio to complete the design and construction documents.
  • August 15, 2018: Request for Qualifications for architectural services posted.
  • July 23, 2018: Old Lyme Town Meeting-the motion to approve $1.75 million for the Library renovation passed 104-30.
  • June 19, 2018:  Old Lyme Board of Finance passed a motion to send approval of $1.75 million for Library renovation to Town Meeting (date TBD).
  • June 2018:  Town-wide newsletter mailing communicated the plan details, Q&A, and funding needs (view copy here)
  • May 7, 2018:  Old Lyme Board of Selectmen passed a motion to send approval of $1.75 million for Library renovation to Town Meeting (date TBD).
  • April 16, 2018:  Building plans were publicly posted in the Library.
  • April 15, 2018:  First public information meetings and tour was held at the Library on April 15.  Additional meetings were held on April 30, May 3, June 12, and June 20 (view copy of presentation here).
  • March 2018:  Library presented a project update during its annual operating budget request at the Old Lyme Board of Finance Meeting.
  • November 2017:  CT State Library Board announced the award of a $1M construction grant to the
    OL-PGN Library.
  • July 2017:  Library prepared and submitted a grant application to the CT State Library for a $1M construction grant
  • June 2017:  Feasibility plans completed
  • April 2017:  Town-wide newsletter mailing announced the project and the hiring of LLB (view copy here)
  • February 2017:  Hired LLB Architects
  • October 2016:  Building Committee advertises for architectural feasibility study
  • March 2016:  Library Board of Trustees established Building Committee

FAQs

What changes will be made to the building and grounds?

The building changes will occur within the current building footprint. While addressing necessary maintenance needs, we will reallocate space to better meet the needs of today’s patrons and those of the future.  The plans include the following improvements:

  • Updated meeting room with easy-to-use technology
  • New small conference room for meetings of 6-8 people
  • Three additional small study / tutor / meeting rooms
  • Dedicated storytime and craft space within the Children’s Room
  • New Young Adult room
  • Lighter, more open space, including seating overlooking Lyme street, and more clearly defined collections
  • New patio overlooking Lyme street and new garden for reading, conversation, and special events
  • Single service desk for improved customer service
  • Larger technology space with room for new services
  • Improved storage for special collections
  • Nine additional parking spaces, along with more conveniently located handicap parking

Why is this project necessary?

There are three answers to this question.

  • The current building was renovated  nearly 25 years ago.  Many of the mechanical systems are nearing the end of their natural life expectancy, including several rooftop HVAC units, 2 boiler pumps, and the lighting fixtures.  The carpet, paint, furnishing, and other finishes have likewise not been updated since 1995.
  • Significant changes have occurred in our culture and the way people gather information in the past 25 years.  The advent of social media and smartphones, the decreasing cost of technology, and a dramatic increase in publishing and the availability of information have changed people’s information needs.  Rather than decreasing dependence on the Library, these changes have resulted in a 70% increase in reference questions since the new building opened in 1996.  During this time the Library has already added services, including one-on-one technology assistance, new e-collections, and more programs (90% increase) attended by even more people (140% increase).
  • Input from survey and focus groups during long-term planning begun in 2013 identified opportunities to better meet patrons’ needs and expectations.  Many of the goals we set in consequence require changes to the Library’s space.

How much will it cost?

The total project cost will be $3,050,000.  This cost will include both construction and soft costs, such as furnishings, technology, and shelving.  It also includes a built-in construction contingency fund.  The Library has secured a $1,000,000 construction grant from the Connecticut State Library.  The Library is requesting $1,750,000 from the Town of Old Lyme and has committed to raising the remaining $300,000.

How is town funding decided, and how will it impact me?

On July 23, 2018, a special Town Meeting was held to vote on municipal funding of the project totaling $1.75 million. The motion to fund the project passed 104 to 30.  The following household costs are based on a 15-year note with a conservatively high interest rate and were provided by the Town of Old Lyme:

Appraised Home Value FY19/20 Tax Increase
$347,200 $24.00
$540,200 $38.00
$1,254,400 $88.00

What is the timeline, and how will services be impacted?

The Library plans to remain open without relocating during construction.  The work will be phased with as few disruptions to services as possible.  We anticipate the following timeline (as of January 21, 2019):

  • July 2018:  Secure town funding
  • Fall 2018:  Bid out final architectural work
  • Winter/Spring 2019:  Complete final design
  • Summer 2019:  Bid out construction services
  • September 2019:  Begin construction
  • Spring 2020:  Renovation complete

Missed the presentations?

We invite you to take a look at the slide show we presented at the public information meetings held in the Winter/Spring 2018.  Interested in learning more?  Contact Library Director Katie Huffman at 860.434.1684 x110 or khuffman@oldlymelibrary.org.

Project History

Beginning in 2013, the OLPGN Library Trustees and Staff embarked on a long-term library renewal project to reevaluate and reimagine library services and plan for the future.  In Phase I, drawing on patron and staff feedback, we developed new mission and vision statements and developed a new strategic plan.

Our MISSION is to inspire lifelong learning and discovery in a welcoming place with exceptional resources, programs and services.

Our VISION is to be the community’s vibrant hub for engagement, discovery and creativity.

In Phase II, expected to conclude Fall 2017, we will identify how our facility and use of library space can be redesigned to align with our new vision and to better serve the community.  To help facilitate this process, we have hired Lerner, Ladds, and Bartels (LLB Architects) to develop several alternative conceptual designs of what our renewed library can be.  LLB will be working with us to ensure these designs are informed by ideas, feedback, and inspiration gathered from the library’s patrons, staff, trustees, and community stakeholders.

As we develop design options we will be asking many questions.  For example:

  • Does our current allocation of space reflect our service priorities and needs?
  • Is there opportunity to increase the amount of space available to the public?
  • Can a new design allow us to provide new and better services?
  • Does our use of space promote staff efficiency, productivity, and well-being?
  • Can a new design make it easier for our patrons to access and explore library materials?
  • How can we make the space warmer and more inviting to our patrons?
  • Can we improve our energy efficiency, reduce facility costs, and better ensure the library’s long-term sustainability?
  • How might the design highlight the historic character of the building and further contribute to the beauty and appeal of the Lyme Street district?

In the weeks and months ahead we will continue to share our progress with the community and will offer many and varied ways for community members to join the conversation and help us to imagine the future of the OLPGN Library. Questions?  Please contact Katie Huffman at khuffman@oldlymelibrary.org.

Renewal Team

Building Committee

Ken Biega (Chair), Kirsten Sicuranza (Board President), Lynn Fairfield-Sonn, Russell Fogg, Katie Huffman (Library Director), Michaelle Pearson, Alan Poirier, Anna Reiter (Town of OL Liaison), and David Stanland (Board Treasurer)

Renewal Campaign Committee

Susan Bates, Wil Bradford, Mary Dangremond, David Kelsey, Edward G. Perkins, David Preston, Kirsten Sicuranza (Board President), Roger Smith, Janet Sturges, Sydney Williams, Katie Huffman (Library Director), Evelyn Morgen (Admin Asst.), and Katie Balooca (Dev. Asst.)

Others

Many people have contributed to the success of this project.  We’d like to thank the Library Board of Trustees for their ongoing work on this project as well as the many individuals involved with the Town of Old Lyme and the State Library who have provided support and feedback along the way.

*As progress is made this page will be updated with new information*