Expansion Update
You can find a detailed history of the library’s effort since 2001 with pictures of the new property. This section is just newly designed with many new pages planned. SO KEEP CHECKING THE SITE!
Expansion Update - April 04
A LIBRARY TO BE PROUD OF.....
Rodney Perry
Library Planner
Britton Consultancy
Rochester, New York
It is to the enormous credit of the staff, Trustee and Friends who labor to make this Library function, that it thrives, despite daunting obstacles.
If the building could communicate, it would cry out for relief.
Within the Library, every part-every wall, every aisle, every corridor, every window, every doorway serves double roles.
Overall the impression is of adaptation to overwhelmingly inadequate spaces, of complete use of every square inch.
The library is disorienting to the public when space is used for multiple purposes.
Is it the children’s room or the study room or the reference room or the tax form distribution center?
Is it the Burrough’s Special Collection Reading Room or the computer study area or the children’s activity room or the nature center or the program room or the Board Room?
Is it the fiction room or the newspaper and magazine room or the YA room or the reading room?
Expansion Update - January 04
The Building Committee is pleased to announce the addition of two local residents to its ranks: Dennis Suraci of Ulster Park, and Charlie Wesley of Port Ewen. We thank their volunteer efforts. Check the library’s web site for a list of meeting dates. We are now in the preliminary design phase of the new library. After a design has been accepted by the Building Committee and the Board of Trustees, we will hold public input meetings.
Expansion Update - March 04
LIBRARY PLANNER
The library has hired Rodney B. Perry, library planner, to help facilitate the construction of the new library building. Mr. Perry specializes in small to mid-size libraries, has worked on six buildings from 1994 - 2003 and will do the following for the Esopus library and town:
- needs assessment
- analysis of current services and use
- community and Library analysis
- community, political and library interviews
- develop building program
- review preliminary program with library board
- revise outline program
- prepare functional area sheets
- work and review architect's plans
Expansion Update - June 04
OVERVIEW OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFPs)- Trustee, Earl Johnson
Several architectural firms were mailed RFPs and eight (8) responses have been received. Board members are urged to review these proposals and submit the Architect Evaluation form with their opinions by July 9th. The Building Committee will meet on July 14th to discuss the “short list” of architects and develop a list of questions for interviews.
Expansion Update - August 04
The Building Committee advised that after many meetings, the Thomas Group was selected as the architectural firm to build the new library. They have in-house engineers, etc. so stages of the project will not have to be “farmed-out”. The Thomas Group is extremely creative and problem solving. Trustee, Nancy Sleight
Expansion Update - November - December 04
Thomas Group holds design meetings with Building Committee,
Board of Trustees, Staff and Public Workshops*.
November 4, 12, 17*, 30*
December 6, 15*
Expansion Update - January 05
01/28/2005, Daily Freeman
Trustees give go-ahead for new Esopus library
By Jesse J. Smith , Freeman staff
PORT EWEN - Trustees of the Esopus Library voted unanimously Wednesday to move ahead with construction of a proposed 9,800-square-foot facility on Canal Street.
Planning for the new library began in 2003, shortly after former Esopus resident Donald W. Taylor died and left $3 million to the library. According to library board President Laura Petit, the project will go out to bid next month, with groundbreaking planned for April and a grand opening in October.
Pre bid conference Tuesday 4/19 1PM
End Bid period(opened and read) meeting Wednesday 4/27 1PM
*** Bid period extended - meeting Friday 4/29 @1PM
Expansion Update - June 05
Library Board of Trustees - rejects all bids.
Due to rising construction costs, bids came in much higher than expected. The Board of Trustees and architects have been working on reducing the cost via value engineering. However, it looks as though we all will have to wait a little longer than expected for our new building. More time is needed in order to build the most cost effective structure. Several options have been discussed in order to honor the desires of the community today as well as in the future.
Kelly Tomaseski, Director
The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work.
--Unknown
Expansion Update - Sept-Oct 05
A construction estimator was hired to help deal with the unique economic climate that we are located in. With his assistance a new bidding package will be ready in November with plans to start construction as soon as the snow melts. Regular Building Committee meetings will be scheduled and times posted on the website.
Expansion Update
January 06 From the director………..
I am happy to announce that a new bid package will be sent out January 9, 2006. This updated package includes 9,160 square feet of usable space—over three times our current size. A geothermal heating and cooling system has been specified which will save thousands of dollars in the library operating budget. In addition, insulated concrete forms (ICF) will be used to construct the building, providing an extremely air tight and energy efficient structure. The current floor plan will allow for 31,680 volumes at 80% shelf capacity. Currently the library own 27,000 volumes split amongst the public shelves, on-site storage, and an off-site storage facility. Not only will the windows not be covered with shelves, but books will be able to be removed and reshelved without the use of a crowbar. Patrons will have a place to sit and relax. Teens will have their own room to hang out in. Programs like Storytime and the Book Discussion Group will enjoy a program room that is over 1,000 square feet. Eight computers will be available for internet use. More details will be made available following the bid opening on February 15th.
-Kelly Tomaseski, Director
EXPANSION UPDATE
February 22nd, 2006
Library Board of Trustees awards construction contracts:
- One Way Construction Services
- D. J. Heating & Air Conditioning
- Ashley Mechanical, Inc.
- Canale Electric Corp
- Arold Paving Co.
- Aquifer Drilling & Testing, Inc.
April 2006 - Library Construction Begins @ Canal Street
Construction of our new library was begun on April 11th! It is anticipated that the building will be completed by the end of this calendar year. The Board of Trustees is working hard to create a library that the community can be proud of, today, as well as in the future. They are also brainstorming ways for all interested residents to participate in this exciting project. The first opportunity is to attend the Ground Breaking Ceremony scheduled for Sunday, May 7th at 1pm at 128 Canal Street, Port Ewen (our new address). Come celebrate a brighter future!
Summer 2006
Construction of the new library building is moving along at a steady pace. The footings have been completed and the foundation forms have been set. Soon, passers by will see the building rising up from the ground. Completion is expected in January of 2007.
Community surveys, asking residents what services they would like to see in the future, have been collected. Results will be tabulated and then plans made to implement as many requests as possible. Thank you for your input.
September 2006
Driving down 9W it’s hard not to slow down to catch a glimpse of the new building. The geo-thermal wells are in, the outside walls are up, and the roof is almost completely on. From the road, the building looks rather small, but in fact it is built into the hill that wanders down to the Hudson River. This was done to ensure that it blends harmoniously with the surrounding structures. In total, the new building is just over 9,000 square feet, over three times our current location where every nook is considered usable space.
The expanded room allows many opportunities. Our beloved Friends group will now be able to sort book donations in the comfort of the indoors. Local teens will have a room all their own to safely hang out in, without disturbing other patrons. Seating and study areas, along with 8 computers for public use will be available. Wider aisles and an elevator welcome those members of our community that use a wheelchair. And yes, the added space will make it possible for books to be removed from the shelf without strenuous effort. Come January, our library will open its doors to new books, new people, and a brighter future.
November 2006
From the director…
With the completion of our new building weeks away, we each have a unique opportunity. The Library has decided against hiring a moving company to relocate our collection, not in an attempt to save money, though it will save thousands, but to invite every community member to take part in the new library. The Building Committee, Board and Staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that this new building welcomes each and every person in our community.
This is your library and ownership can begin before the grand opening. Daniel Rogers, an Eagle Scout candidate, has chosen the Library move as his advancement project. He is now collecting names at the Circulation Desk for individuals that would like to help. We need people to pack and unpack, transport boxes from one location to the other, provide snacks and lunches to hungry movers—if you are willing to donate your time, we will find a task that you can do. Sign up now!
--Kelly Tomaseski
