·68% of residents surveyed agreed we need a new library.
·Voters confirmed the need for a new library by almost a 3:1 margin, approving a bond for construction of the new library.
·Our library is the only library in Monroe County without handicapped accessible restrooms.
·Our library has shelving for 22,000 items, but owns 40,000 items.
Where will the new library be located?
The new library will be in the heart of the village, at 22 North Main Street, between M&T Bank and Critics restaurant.
·People like the location of the existing library, if concerns with safe access and parking can be resolved.
·In 2007 the town acquired a parcel of land next to the existing library, to allow access to/from Main Street, providing ample space for the new library, including parking.
·Surveys and community feedback show the strongest support for a library in the center of the village, within the sidewalk network and in the central business district.
What will a new library mean to our community?
The new library will be a destination; a gathering place; a place of pride for the community.
·The library already draws 70,000 visits per year
·Statistics show library usage doubles when additions or a new library are built.
·An influx of people into the village business district will support the economic growth of neighboring businesses and the village.
Will the size of the library’s collections be increased? The new library will provide the space required to effectively house the existing collection, as well as room for future expansion of the collection. The size of the collection will be increased as budget allows.
How are we going to pay for the library? We will be fiscally responsible and seek all sources of funding: · 1.35 million was approved by the voters in 2008 and $504,303 NYS Public Library Construction Grant was awarded to the library. ·A development team is seeking grants ·We are exploring the possiblity of raising additional funding. ·The funds we raise will help us leverage additional potential funding from Federal and State levels.
Will additional taxes be raised to pay for the new library?
We will build our library to fit our budget. The residents of Mendon will not see another tax increase other than the 2008 approved tax increase to pay for the new building. We are committed to being fiscally responsible; this project can be built in phases as funding allows.
Is a new library going to impact my taxes or the services I receive from the town? More than half of the money to build a new state of the art facility is secured. ·The new library will not take away from existing town services. ·Other than the approved $1.35 M bond there will be no additional monies garnered through tax increases to build the new building. The anticipated tax impact of the bond is 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, beginning in 2010. As an example, this would be $18 per year—the cost of a new hardcover book—for a home assessed at $180,000. ·A postponement in the building of a new library will result in the loss of a half-million dollars of state grant money. ·Significant increased operating costs are not anticipated. The new library will – by design – be energy efficient, green, and cost effective to run.
How can we get Federal economic stimulus spending to help fund the new library?
·We have sent a request to the Governor and our Senator to be considered for an economic stimulus package.
·Economic stimulus packages will most likely be distributed to the states, who will then distribute it through various state agencies. We are looking into how this will be done in New York State, and have notified our state agencies of our project, so they are aware when the funding becomes available. We will certainly apply for stimulus funding if any is to be distributed for library development.
Why are you conducting a capital campaign for a public project? We want to build a library that will be a cornerstone in our community, something to be proud of for generations to come. At the same time, people do not want to see significant tax increases: ·With the public money that’s been approved, we can provide a library that adequately meets requirements for safety and access (e.g. ADA compliant). ·The funding raised through the capital campaign will pay for the elements that will make the new library a cornerstone in our community, rather than just adequate. Some possible examples: oAn expanded, innovative children’s area where children and parents can spend time together. oDedicated space for seniors, to accommodate their special needs as they explore the next stage in life. oComfortable spaces for people to sit and gather, a reading garden, and refreshments oArtwork to showcase community talent. oTechnology center for residents and small businesses to utilize. oMeeting space for community groups. oA safe, supervised teen area, keeping our teens safe, productive, and engaged. oSpace for quiet study, reflection and tutoring. To see a breakdown of anticipated public and private funds click here.
How can I help? The new library is a legacy investment that will continue to give back to the community --70% of community members have a library card. ·We need broad financial support from the community. ·The success of private donations raised will determine the extent of the facilities, features, and services the new library will be able to offer. You can also join the many volunteers from the community who are donating or have donated their time and expertise to the new library project.
Can we afford a new library in this economy?
There is a lot to fear in this economy, but we know our area is strong and will recover. A new library is a once in a lifetime opportunity to invest and make a better community for ourselves and children. In this economy, special one-time stimulus and grant packages are available which have not been available in the past. It just makes good common sense to invest in our community now, when people need it and grant money is plentiful. This project will bring construction jobs to our area. The workers will support local merchants, going to local stores and restaurants and discover our vibrant Mendon neighborhood.
What will the new library look like and how big will it be? The Facilities Subcommittee will oversee the final library design using input from the community and honoring the Steering Committee Mission Statement. The $1.35 million bond will allow us to build a 6,840 square foot library. The final size of our library will be determined by the total project budget--the sum of our NYS Library Construction grant award, other grant awards, capital campaign funds and the bond.
Will I have a voice in the design of the new library?
We need your help to design the new library:
·HBT Architects from Pittsford, NY has been hired to design the library site and building.
·Ideas from the public input sessions will be incorporated into the new library design. Visit www.mendonlibrary.org for more information.
Will the historical museum be in the new library? The new library will include a local history section with a few display cases to showcase items from the historical museum. During early planning stages for the new library, the Steering Committee explored the possibility of a combined library and museum. Insufficient funding was available to do this but it may be an option in the future.
Why is 22 N. Main Street the best option for entering and exiting Main Street 1) This would keep the library driveway in a commercial setting. Residential property will not be impacted by library traffic entering and exiting the driveway. 2) This is the option with the least impact to surrounding neighbors. Including property surrounding the natural space behind the current library. 3) This option will not require additional storm water drainage measures. 4) All lighting used in this area will be downward lighting impacting only the library parking area and driveway.
Will there be adequate parking? The Town currently owns three adjoining properties—the property with the current library and parking lot, an adjacent vacant lot, and the 22 North Main Street parcel. These combined properties are sufficient for our new library, adequate parking, drainage and potential expansion.
What enhancements will we enjoy in the new library? The new Library will have exciting new features and areas for everyone! The Children’s Area will be a nurturing environment for young people with a variety of reading and early literacy materials and computer stations. The Adult Living Room will be a quiet, comfortable space to read the paper, peruse financial journals, use a laptop or catch up with friends. The Teen Space will give young people an area of their own to read, socialize, perform research or work on group projects. Large print materials and computers with special features will make the Senior Area a special draw.
The Library Porch and Reading Garden will extend the welcome of the new Library and provide spaces for enjoying the charm of Mendon while reading a book or chatting with friends. Community Meeting Rooms will provide flexible seating and audio-visual equipment for lectures, presentations, performances and group meetings.
Our new Library will have Public Gathering Spaces that are cozy places for patrons to gather to learn, discuss and share time with other members of the community. The local History Space will be a magnet for residents who want to learn about Mendon’s history.
How can we build a beautiful library we can be proud of and that will meet our needs for years to come? Every dollar raised and additional grants will expand the size of the new library and provide amenities. We plan to seek donations from individuals and businesses. This provides a way for everyone to be part of the legacy for future residents.
When will all of this happen? Grand opening is planned for early Summer 2011.
What will happen to the Mantegna barn and the existing library building? As part of the grant requirements, a filing was made with the NYS Historic Preservation Office for the current library and the red barn. The original portion of the library has historical significance and will be kept intact. The red barn and the brick addition of the library have no historical significance. The architects are reviewing the barn and its contents to perhaps incorporate some memento into the new library. Unfortunately, the barn's structural integrity and load bearing requirements of a library will not allow for reuse of the barn. We are looking into reusing the brick addition as part of the new library.
Since people can read on the internet, are libraries becoming obsolete?
Public library usage is busier than ever:
·Free broadband internet access to every patron with our equipment or if you prefer; use your own equipment and our WiFi access point.
·Libraries provide free and open access for all community residents to knowledge, information, services, technology, and programs as well as books.
·In Mendon, the use of the library continues to increase:
oSince the library’s most recent expansion in 1975, the population of Mendon has grown 54%. Circulation at the Mendon Public Library has grown 314%.
oCirculation of reading and audiovisual materials has increased 48% since 1997, when computers were first offered in libraries.
I don’t use the library. What benefit is there for me?
National studies show that community members who don’t use the library also benefit:
·There’s economic benefit to the community. For every public dollar spent on libraries, between $4 and $10 is returned to the community in wages, purchases, and savings for individuals and small businesses
·More young families move to and stay in library neighborhoods, helping increase property values
·Kids have more educational opportunities. Teenagers have a place to go after school.
·Libraries provide safe and accessible space for community groups to use.
Why don’t we close our library and save taxes? We are chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, which requires the Town of Mendon to provide public library service to the residents. Because we are part of a cooperative library system in Monroe County, residents can use any library in the system, however closing our library is not an option.
What is the distance from the Hamlet of Mendon to the PIttsford Library and to the Mendon Library? The distance to the Pittsford Library, according to MapQuest, is 6.84 miles, starting at 51 Assembly Drive, Mendon, NY. The distance to the Mendon Library, according to MapQuest, is 6.67 miles, starting at 51 Assembly Drive, Mendon, NY.
Why don't Mendon residents just go to other libraries instead of expanding the Mendon Library? The new library will be a community gathering place and place of community pride. Statistics show that library usage doubles when additions or a new library are built, strengthening the community in many ways. In addition, the influx of people the new library will attract will support the economic growth of neighboring businesses and of the Hamlet of Mendon. While the driving distances from the Hamlet of Mendon to the Mendon Library and the Pittsford Library are roughly equal, community feedback shows strong support for a library in the center of the village, within both the sidewalk network and the central business district.
Will the new library’s operating costs require more tax increases?
Our new library building will use energy-efficient technology. We expect energy costs to remain the same or even decrease in spite of additional space. A small increase in part-time staff is anticipated. The library’s portion of town taxes is so small there would not be a noticeable difference in your tax bill even if operating costs were to double. The impact of estimated increased operating costs plus the bond on your total taxes (county, school, town and fire) is 0.37%.
What will happen to the historic windmill in front of the barn? The windmill is on Critics property and not owned by the Town of Mendon.
Why don't we use the property by the Sunoco station (34 N. Main Street) for access to the new library? This property was reviewed extensively as an option when preparing the final design of the new library. However, there are several reasons this option was not chosen: 1) It has limited visibility for entrance from and exit to Main Street due to the curve in the road at this point.Locating the driveway at 22 North Main Street provides greater visibility for entrance from and exit to Main Street. 2) Substantial additional paving and asphalt would need to be used. This would result in more storm water run-off and additional measures to bring the storm water into compliance with existing codes. 3) The creation of a driveway for the library on the Sunoco property would require asphalt though an e-pod and additional disruption through a natural area. 4) This option would require additional funding for acquisition of the land, paving, and storm water run-off compliance.
Will there be any access to or from the new library through the entrance and exit for the current library? 1) Safety of our patrons is first and foremost in our mind. With the goal of minimizing large truck use of the patron driveway at 22 North Main Street, we will make the following changes: Our current entrance off of Monroe Street will only provide access to the library for the MCLS delivery truck, garbage collection, and UPS deliveries. The MCLS truck will make one daily delivery Monday – Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and Noon. Garbage will be collected once each week. The UPS truck makes deliveries as needed between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. These limitations will significantly reduce the Monroe Street driveway traffic volume from 100-150 vehicles per day to less than five per day. 2) Our current exit driveway will become a pedestrian walkway. Access to the library will be for emergency vehicle use only, in the event of an emergency.