could get a complete makeover in the coming years, but the process has only just begun.
Members of the briefed the Board of Selectmen Wednesday on the building’s issues and potential solutions.
“This is Step One of the library updating us on their concerns,” First Selectmen Michael Tetreau said.
The Fairfield Woods Branch Library -- the busiest branch library in Connecticut -- has its fair share of ailments. The leaky roof is overdue for replacement; the mezzanine is virtually inaccessible to handicapped patrons; the only elevator is outdated and does not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) codes; and the ground floor, which houses the town’s emergency backup servers, is susceptible to water breaches during heavy rainstorms.
The building was constructed in 1969 and expanded in 1991, the last major project the library underwent. Trustee board members said the 1991 expansion comprised of mainly exterior improvements; the interior mechanics of the building are more than 40 years old.
The roof was slated to be replaced in 2008 but the project was postponed by former First Selectman Kenneth Flatto for further assessment, according to the presentation given by the trustee board.
Selectman James Walsh said he would “go on record” to say that Flatto was not correct to remove the roof project. “It’s a disgrace that the roof wasn’t done when it was first needed,” he said.
The growth of patrons, programs, and services offered by the library also appear to be outgrowing the 18,600 square foot space. The Fairfield Woods Branch Library has one small meeting room and -- according to the Board of Trustee members -- that’s not enough for a 21st century library. The 21st century library should not only house books but function as a “community living room” for recreational and cultural programs, trustee board member Dr. Manyul Im said.
The Board of Trustees began to look into solutions to the building’s issues when they funded and conducted a feasibility study with an architect several months ago. Four options arose, ranging from building an addition, to renovating the existing building, to completely demolishing the existing building and constructing a larger, ADA-compliant one on the same property.
The Board of Trustees recommends the latter option, which would result in a 24,100 square foot building and could cost approximately $13 million. Board Chair Robert Frigo explained these were “very rough estimates.”
If approved by the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, and Representative Town Meeting, tearing down and rebuilding the library is projected to take just shy of three years, according to the trustees’ presentation.
There was some discussion of additional options, such as the library finding a bigger space in town to move into permanently. Town Librarian Karen Ronald pointed out that the site is “working” because of the location and “walkability” for all different patrons, ranging from young students to seniors.
“If we found a bigger site elsewhere it might not work as well, “she said.
Walsh warned that complete reconstruction would be “a hard sell to the public” in current economic times, “especially when they see the tax impact that’s about to hit.”
Selectman Cristin McCarthy Vahey agreed. “We’re going to have some tough conversations.” But she added the library is “a vital community resource.”
Should the Fairfield Woods Branch Library be demolished, and a larger facility take its place? Tell us what you think in the comments.
Forget the branch library and move everything to the Main Library downtown...and where are we all going to park then? Move everything downtown and everyone with it...I mean patrons...where in the world do you plan to put all the cars? Something has to be done...but procedures must be followed, i.e. put a building committee in place and start doing research and investigating. We cannot wear blinders and say...we don't need it, send people downtown, etc. Whether we like it or not, our town has grown and we need to start thinking about how that is impacting Fairfield.
You need to spend money to support a community -- i.e. its infracture, its facilities, etc. It's just the way it is. If you don't like these types of changes to improve the town, move to a place with lower taxes and, as you'll discover, far fewer and inferior amenities.
It seems to me that the most obvious decision here is to let Walgreens come in and build a combo market/library. Two birds, one stone.
Plenty of space there. PROBLEM SOLVED It's time to close the Fairfield Woods branch library!
libraries and the two colleges have a limited collection, so let's be realistic. Libraries are open to everyone. There is no discrimination against race, gender, or class. We service the public for free. You can take a class on tax reform, extreme couponing, and even SAT preparation. The library data base offers tutoring for all age students, foreign languages, access to E-books, and access to Consumer Report magazine for FREE. We need both libraries. ENOUGH SAID.
From the Fairfield Citizen: "Walsh was concerned about the cost of a new library, especially since there is still about $9 million in bonded debt to be paid for a recent expansion of the main library on the Old Post Road." The cost of renovations for Woods is $8.7 million http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/Library-officials-propose-new-Fairfield-Woods-3461033.php
So you get " depressed" when you see the interior of the branch library and you don't care for the "extremely unsightly exterior"? Well then I have a suggestion for you.If something like the interior"space" of a library makes you sad and depressed,you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.Perhaps he will put you on Prozac or some other from of anti-depressant.You are obviously living in an alternate universe,unaware of the reality of the real world.Many town residents are struggling to get by.We have major school renovations in the works,a new pavilion,outrageous pensions to be met,etc,etc and you're worrying about the looks of the library? I think it's a wonderful facility.If it needs repairs,then so be it,but to knock it down and build a new one is simply another unnecessary,huge expense we can do without.Don't you get that? You want a brand new,beautiful,shiny,cheerful library? Well tsk,tsk,tsk .Amy,I promise you I will make my voice heard loud and clear at any town meeting involving the branch library.