Clapp Memorial Library Renovation and Expansion

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Clapp Memorial Library Renovation and Expansion

• July 24, 2009

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Our Mission
Clapp Memorial Library was established in 1887 as
a public and social library for the diffusion of
knowledge and to promote intellectual, moral and
physical culture in the Town of Belchertown.
From the 1887 Act of the Massachusetts
Legislature Establishing the Clapp Memorial
Library.
John Francis Clapp
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Our Challenge

• The Clapp Memorial Library building has not
  expanded in its 122 years.
• The Towns population has grown seven-fold in
  that time.
• Belchertown uses its library.
• The Library is no longer able to fulfill its
  mission to the community in the existing
  structure.
• The building is of local and national importance.

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The Challenge Space

• Only 1/3 of the currently available space is
  usable for library programs and services this
  is about 1/10th of the recommended space for our
  town

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The Challenge Effects

• Collection
• Of the 370 public libraries in Massachusetts, the
  Clapp Memorial Library ranks 360th in the size of
  its collection! Why? There is no space to
  increase the size of the collection.

• Programs
• There is a waiting list for childrens programs.
• Adult programs are limited due to space
  constraints.

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Belchertown Uses Its Library Circulation
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Belchertown Uses Its Library Programs
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An Expansion and Renovation will

• Provide the spaces needed for the library to
  fulfill its mission to the community
• Preserve and modernize an important historical
  asset

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The Background

• 1996 - Initial Space Needs Analysis
• 2001 - 02 Building Plan Developed
• 2004 - Preliminary project estimate 9.6 million
• 2005 - Town Meeting approves preliminary
  design
• - Library awarded 2.9 MBLC grant,
  placed on waiting list
• 2006 - Architect asked for cost-saving
  revisions

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The background (Continued)

• 2007 - Project redesigned cost estimate
  10.6 million
• - Fund-raising campaign organized
• 2008 - MBLC grant increased to 3.3 million
  - State funding approved
• - Debt exclusion override passed on
  November 4
• 2009 - Updated project cost estimate
• 9.3 million

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Meeting the Challenge - Project Objectives

• Increase space to meet State/national standards
  based on 2020 population projection
• Separate functions (children, adult, young adult)
• Maintain and complement the historical integrity
  of the existing building
• Update infrastructure in the existing building
• Provide an inviting atmosphere
• Provide a community room
• Protect historic documents and materials
• Improve safety, convenience and access

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Meeting the Challenge Add Space

• Renovate the existing 9,930 sf.
• Expand by 20,000 sf.

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The Project Site Plan
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The Project Blend New and Old
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The Plan Floor Plan Upper Level
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The Plan Floor Plan Lower Level
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Projected Timeline

• Fall 2009 Town Meeting vote on funding
• Jan. 2010 Final Design
• May 2010 Construction Documents
• Aug. 2010 Project Bid
• Oct. 2010 CML moves to temporary location
• Nov. 2010 Construction begins
• Dec. 2011 Construction complete
• Jan. 2012 New CML open for business

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Estimated Project Costs
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Proposed Project Financing
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Why Now?

• Secure State funding
• Capitalize on the current favorable construction
  cost environment

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After 121 Years, Its Time!

• Thank you!