THE PROPOSED NEW LIBRARY

At its March 28^th meeting, the Finance Board unanimously approved for Town Meeting action the sum of up to $950,000 for bonding of the proposed new library. First Selectman Dave Kilbon expects a Town Meeting at the end of May.

On March 31^st, the State Bond Commission approved our State Public Library Construction grant for $500,000. This grant, which had received approval from the State Library in the fall of 1997, had been awaiting approval from the Bond Commission since that time.

With the action of these two bodies, the successful completion of a capital campaign, and the completion of architect’s plans for the new building, all that remains is voter approval of the Town appropriation of $950,000 at the May Town Meeting. Voters should watch for an announcement of the date for that meeting.

FACT SHEET

Proposed Size: 11,000 square feet 

(3 times the size of the present library)

Proposed Site: Off Memorial Drive in the Town Center Complex

Cost for Construction and Furnishings:  2,400,000

The library has secured 55% of the cost already through a gift and a grant.

The Selectmen have voted to propose for public reaction, a sum of $950,000 contingent on the library raising a minimum of $100,000. They also proposed that they increase the town’s portion of the library’s operating expenses from $51,500 to $135,000.

The new library would be open an additional 14 hours per week.

The library would increase the amount it raises annually to help cover operating costs from $29,500 to $35,000.

Residents will have a chance to vote on the question of whether or not they want a new library and are willing to support the increased operating costs at a nonbinding referendum to be held possibly in early December.

HISTORICAL INFO ON THE PROPOSED NEW LIBRARY

 Update - February, 2000

The Library Association has raised over $100,000 toward the proposed new library, and in line with the agreement between the Selectmen and the Association, the Selectmen have asked the Board of Finance to consider and approve for Town Meeting action the allocation of  $950,000 toward the project. It is anticipated that this Town Meeting will take place sometime after April. Assuming the allocation is approved at the Town Meeting, construction could begin before the end of this year.

The cash amount received so far in the Capital Campaign for a New Library is approximately $148,000. An additional $108,000 has been pledged over the next two years by individuals, businesses, and foundations. The extra funds the library has raised, and hopes to continue raising, will help offset construction costs which have risen since our original architect’s estimate two years ago.

Meanwhile, the Library Building Committee, under the chairmanship of Roy Cook, continues to meet monthly to work out the details of design and construction plans.

NOVEMBER, 1999

Fundraising for the new library has been very successful thanks to the efforts of many dedicated volunteers and generous supporters.   Contributions or pledges have been received from 20% of East Granby residents and 12% of area businesses.

• Residents, employer matching programs, and organizations have donated $95,432

• Area businesses have donated  $22,160

• Outstanding pledges equal $69,215

• The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and The Hartford Courant Foundation have pledged $32,000

   OCTOBER, 1999

 Over the summer, the library's Steering Committee, chaired by Brad Wolfe, worked hard on Phase I of the campaign - seeking donations from foundations, corporations, businesses, and individuals who might be major donors.  Their efforts have been successful and the response gratifying.  To date the library has received approximately $82,000.  

Foundations that have responded include The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, which has pledged $25,000 if the library can raise $100,000.  The Hartford Courant Foundation has made a pledge of $7,000 if  area businesses donate at least $14,000.  So far businesses have donated approximately $13,000 putting us very close to meeting  the Hartford Courant challenge.

Phase II of the campaign, an appeal to the general public, is now underway.  We hope to reach our goal of $100,000 by November and will then work with the Boards of Selectmen and Finance to determine a way to finance the balance needed for construction.  This amount will be no more than $950,000.  

Before the end of the year, residents will have the opportunity to vote at a Town Meeting on the Finance Board's proposal for funding.  If all goes well, groundbreaking and construction could start next spring.

The Building Fund for the proposed new library has already received a gift and a State grant totaling $1,300,000. The balance needed for construction is $1,100,00.

At their August 19, 1998 meeting, the members of the Board of Selectmen (Dave Kilbon, Mary Ellen Brown, and Dave Barnes) voted to propose for public reaction a sum up to $950,000 for construction of the proposed library, contingent on the Library Association raising a minimum sum of $100,000.  They further proposed that if the new building is constructed, the Library line item in the General Government Budget would be raised from the present amount of $51,500 to $135,000 (in 1998 dollars).   This proposal passed a nonbinding vote on December 1, 1998, by a vote of 501 to 137.

The Library Board is now putting together a plan for a capital campaign, scheduled to begin later this Spring, with a goal of at least $100,000.

If this fundraising is successful, the Selectmen will ask the Finance Board to call a Town Meeting, possibly by the Fall of 1999, to approve the appropriation of Town funds for the project.  If the proposal is approved, construction could start in the Spring of 2000 to be completed by the Spring of 2001.

A sign has been erected at the site for the proposed new library. The sign is visible as you drive down Memorial Drive and look toward the back of the Community Center parking lot.

Flyers with background information and architect’s drawings are available at the library, as are bookmarks with a brief summary of the library proposal. The architect’s model of the proposed library is also on display at the library.

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