LFNAC UPDATE March 2008

LFNAC members met three times during February and accomplished a lot!

We’re still working on the “Wish List” for the ideal Hatfield Public Library. We’re identifying all areas of a library (Children’s, Teen’s, Reference, Staff, etc.) and ideally what should be in each (low tables and chairs, computers, natural light, work counter, closet for storage, etc.). Once this list is complete, it will be combined with demographic information and your comments from the focus groups and surveys of last spring to form a written Building Program.

So far, 36 architectural and design firms have responded to our Request for Qualifications (RFQ) that was published in the Massachusetts Central Register and the Republican newspaper. After the closing date in April, we will review the materials and begin interviews. Once the Building Program is finished and approved by the Board of Trustees, it will be given to the Architect to “translate” into an actual design. The architect will also help us select the best site for the 21st century Hatfield Public Library.

Lots of work still remains to be done, but this is an exciting time for the Public Library and the entire town of Hatfield.

LFNAC consists of nine members: Library Director Sheila McCormick; Library Trustee Dodie Gaudet; Historical Commission Liaison Lynn Omasta; Martin Antonetti, Sue Gaughan; Harold Green, Chair; Milton Howard; Mike Paszek; and Mary Williams.

The work of this Committee is funded through a $40,000 grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, $8,000 from the Friends of Hatfield Library, $4,000 from Hatfield Library Funds and $8,000 from the town of Hatfield, approved at the May 2007 Town meeting.
3/1/08