Our facility is outdated and cannot meet user demands. The original library, which was built in 1936, was expanded over 30 years ago, prior to the advent of the personal computer. Today’s libraries must keep pace with the ever-changing trends that current technologies demand. We must be equipped to be the type of community resource that is now required as a result of these vast and frequent technological changes. Currently, we have space for only five computers. One computer per 1,600 resident ratio fails to meet the needs of our population of over 8,000. We need a library that is wired and designed for both current and future technologies.

Our facility does not adequately accommodate the special needs of all our patrons. Our library must comply with Federal and State requirements, and provide an environment that supports and encourages use by young and old alike. Currently, our facility fails to meet these criteria:

• Our library is out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)! It is not easily accessible to senior citizens or people with disabilities.

o Restrooms are located in basement, only accessible by stairs

o Meeting room is in original building, only accessible by stairs

o Aisle ways are not wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs

o A portion of the collection is located on the 2nd floor, accessible only by stairs

• Our main entrance presents a hazard to the young people and adults alike as they enter and exit the building.

• Our library plays an important role to many young children and their families. During the past five years we have added numerous special children’s programs, yet we do not have the space that is required to accommodate the needs of these enrichment programs.

What do you see in our Current Library?

 Lack of space for the current collection

 Lack of space to expand collection

 Library currently has shelving space for 22,000 items, however we own 39,000 items. There simply is not enough space in our library!

 Limited meeting room size and availability

 Current meeting area doubles as Young Adult area.

 Young Adult area cramped with no place to sit and read

 Collection expansion for young adult patrons is not possible.

 Children’s area is small and cramped.

 No room for story time; story time must occur in other areas.

 Children cannot reach and explore upper shelves.

 Basement floods frequently.

 Thousands of books ruined.

 No quiet study area.

 Noise is an issue throughout the library.

Facts and Figures

• Our current library is 4233 Sq. Feet.

• Population of Mendon is 8370 people (2000 census).

• Our population will continue to increase.

• Our library should be sized to serve the community for at least 30 years.

• A library for the Town of Mendon should be 12,500 sq. ft.*

• Per the American Library Association (ALA)