The Moffat Library News from Your Board of Trustees
The Library staff and the Board of Trustees have spent the last several months meeting with community groups to tell everyone about the exciting plans for the renovation and restoration of the historic Moffat Library building. Library director Carol McCrossen has prepared a powerpoint presentation which vividly shows the building’s present condition, as well as the plans for its future. A youtube version of the presentation is now available from the Library’s website. Also available at the Library & on the Library’s website is a brochure which provides answers to many of the questions residents have been asking about the building project.
One of the most significant questions being asked is what will be in the renovated Library. How will it be different from what we have now at the temporary location or at the historic Moffat Library building before the flooding? The revitalized, and restored library will be a building suited to a community in the 21st century. Not only will it have modern technology, but it will be designed as a sustainable building. The building will maximize natural lighting, incorporating light harvesting mechanisms & adjustable switches to keep costs down. In addition, the open floor plan will maximize staff availability to patrons while minimizing the need for hiring of additional staff.
Will the building be safe from future flooding? Keeping in mind the need to mitigate future flooding problems, all mechanical systems will now be above ground. The sidewalks, parking lot and park like landscape are designed to control water flow and lessen the likelihood of flood waters entering the building.
Our renovated and expanded building will include the following features:
- Safe and Contemporary Children’s Room
- Teen Space and Afterschool Program Space
- Glassed-in Adult Reading Section
- Conference Room for Tutoring or Home Office Meetings
- Community Meeting Room for up to 64 People
- Local History Room
- Kitchenette for Event Use
- Sustainable Design Features
- Park-like Landscaped Setting
- Ample Parking for 30
The bond vote is scheduled for March 3, 2015. Voting will take place at the Moffat Library temporary building in Campbell Hall from 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM. The amount of the bond is $6,922,000. An active fundraising campaign has begun and to date $621,000 has been raised. The Library is using $500,000 it has in its capital reserves towards the project. Senator Larkin has secured a state grant of $50,000. In addition, a NYS Library Construction grant has been secured for $62,000. We have also collected $6,750 in private donations and other grants are being pursued. All of this will lower the actual amount that will need to be borrowed as the project progresses. The cost to an individual family/homeowner may be up to $55-$80/year.
– The Board of Trustees of Moffat Library