After three years of intense study of the needs to update the Main Library, the library board has formed a search committee to find an architect to translate the agreed upon needs to blueprints beginning another phase of decision making by the board and the community.

Over the last three years, eight focus groups were held to discuss the topic, a questionnaire was sent to all households to determine particulars of library usage and an Ad Hoc Committee has done an in-depth study of the needs and has presented its recommendations to the library board.

The committee members reached consensus on the need to reconfigure space allocations and develop specific expanded services, but diverged regarding the need to expand the footprint of the library to accomplish those goals. The committee's report said, "Four committee members stated they felt strongly that we stay within the current footprint of the building, which may include an enlargement of the mezzanine or other internal areas, to accommodate the needs of the library. Nine committee members stated that although they might prefer no change in the footprint of the Main Building, they recognize that in order to accomplish the recommendations set forth in this report, some expansion may be necessary."

The Ad Hoc Committee, composed of current board members, former board members and community members became very familiar with the behind-the-scenes working of the library, visited other libraries and reviewed documents prepared by staff members, reports of focus groups and the results of the community questionnaire before making these final recommendations:

1. The audio-visual area should be afforded more space and in a more prominent location, if possible.

2. The children's areas should be enlarged, including the addition of a program area.

3. Office space for staff needs to be increased;

4. Storage space for all departments needs to be increased.

5. A quiet study room and group study room should be included in any plans.

6. The periodical collection, now stored in four different places, should be consolidated in one location.

7. Adult and children's computer centers should be included in any new plan.

8. Shelving for the adult collection needs to be increased. Compact shelving should be considered for storage collections.

9. A Young Adult area to include Levels and a Young Adult Resource Center (including the young adult book collection, study areas, appropriate reference material, computers for research and word processing, etc.) should be developed.

10.The existing Community Room needs to be redesigned, but not enlarged, for better viewing and listening. Moveable walls within the Community Room and between the Community Room and the foyer should be explored. The second meeting room should be increased in size to accommodate 50 persons.

10.The Technical Services Department needs no increase.

11.The Circulation Department needs a reconfiguration of its existing space.

12.The Reference Department needs a reconfiguration of its existing space with a defined area dedicated to our Local History Collection.

The main library had its grand opening in May of 1970 and was designed by the architectural firm of Gibbons & Heidtman. The construction is of steel frame with steel decks and poured reinforced concrete floors. The walls are block walls and are not load bearing, which allows a tremendous amount of flexibility when renovating the interior space according to a report from Joe Latino, former department head of maintenance and grounds. The library is located on 2.5 acre piece of waterfront property with 100 on site parking spaces, and approximately 65 on street parking. The total size of the building is approximately 42,230 square feet of which 41,260 are usable.

In February 2000, the engineering firm of Beatty, Harvey and Associates were hired to evaluate the physical plant. In their report they stated that the concrete walkways and plaza need replacement and that the exterior lighting is below the level necessary for a safe environment after dark. They found that while the stone veneer of the building is in good shape, the concrete is deteriorated. The report adds that the soffits evidence water damage and the steel lintels over the windows are separating from the building. Overall they found that the insulation level in the building is low and there are great energy inefficiencies. The windows are mostly single glaze without insulating properties and need replacement. In addition, they found that the roof needs to be replaced due to lack of insulation and a "bad pitch that causes ponding."

Beatty, Harvey and Associates also noted that the interior lighting is dated, not appropriate for lighting needed for computer usage and not energy efficient. They recommended that the "constant air" air conditioning system should be replaced by a "variable air volume" system and zoned for climate control. Air distribution must be through a duct system instead of the current system which delivers air through perforated ceiling tiles which they deem to be not only inefficient but resulting in compromised air quality as well.

Another outmoded feature of the library is its restrooms, which do not meet federal specifications to be accessible to handicapped patrons. The firm stated that the electrical service appears adequate; however, "the circuit panels are old and filled to capacity." (Acting library director, Arlene Nevens clarified that while the electrical service to the building is considered adequate, the interior wiring to support computers and laptops is vastly deficient.)

And finally, the report warns that the fire alarm system is not code compliant and must be replaced and that a sprinkler system should be installed.

The library board officially accepted the report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Sept. 13. Serving on the search committee will be board president Dr. Bette Weidman and trustees John Drukker and Linda Cohen.

Serving on the Ad Hoc Committee were: community volunteers: Arthur Budick, Bernard Klein, Doris Master, Alice Merwin, Marsha Vinson Rotman, Shirley Samansky, and Karen Sunshine. Staff: Margery Chodosch, Harriett Fargnoli, and Arlene Nevens. Former Trustees: Mischa Schwartz and Marietta DiCamillo. Current trustees: Linda Cohen, John Drukker, and Joyce Klein.

The full report of the committee and supplemental relevant reports are available to the public at all library branches.