After carefully weighing all of the options and lots of deliberation the Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee (LFNAC) decided to pursue an addition/renovation to the Dickinson Memorial building for the new and improved Hatfield Public Library.
The reasons for choosing an addition/renovation instead of a new building are many:
· Using an existing building is a “green” choice;
· LFNAC is sensitive to having another vacant municipal building on Main Street;
· A separate library building next to Dickinson Memorial would crowd the lot and eliminate much park-like area;
· Hatfield residents are sentimental about the current library building
Now architect Stephen Hale is making detailed drawings incorporating all of the features listed in the Building Program.
Hatfield residents can keep up-to-date on the progress by reading the Hatfield LFNAC blog at http://hatfieldlfnac.blogspot.com
LFNAC members: Harold Green, Chair; Historical Commission Liaison Lynn Omasta, Vice-Chair; Library Trustee Dodie Gaudet, Secretary; Martin Antonetti; Susan Gaughan; Milton Howard; 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.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
LFNAC Minutes – March 12, 2009
The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee met at the Hatfield Public Library at 6:30 p.m.
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Harold Green, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale, architect.
Absent: Susan Gaughan, Milton Howard
Now that we have decided to pursue an addition and renovation to the Dickinson Memorial Building, Stephan has begun making more detailed drawings. We reviewed Stephen’s drawings. There was lots of discussion.
If the Library assumes responsibility of the collection in the Historical Museum, we have more options in terms of design and fewer worries about MBLC funding. Stephen suggests that we display some of the items by distributing them throughout the building and integrating them into the décor. Museum storage and work space could be located in the basement, but it would be a nicer space than the attic since there would be some natural light. The current attic (Museum) could become the public meeting room. All of these ideas are preliminary. We need more discussion with the Historical Society. The Library Trustees and the future Director would also have to agree with this plan.
We discussed handicapped access through the current front door in addition to what will become the main entrance at the back of the building near the parking lot. Can a ramp be integrated into the architecture and still look good? Can it be combined with a porch?
We will have another open house at the Library on Saturday, April 18 from 1-4 p.m.
Our next meeting is Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hatfield Library; Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Harold Green, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale, architect.
Absent: Susan Gaughan, Milton Howard
Now that we have decided to pursue an addition and renovation to the Dickinson Memorial Building, Stephan has begun making more detailed drawings. We reviewed Stephen’s drawings. There was lots of discussion.
If the Library assumes responsibility of the collection in the Historical Museum, we have more options in terms of design and fewer worries about MBLC funding. Stephen suggests that we display some of the items by distributing them throughout the building and integrating them into the décor. Museum storage and work space could be located in the basement, but it would be a nicer space than the attic since there would be some natural light. The current attic (Museum) could become the public meeting room. All of these ideas are preliminary. We need more discussion with the Historical Society. The Library Trustees and the future Director would also have to agree with this plan.
We discussed handicapped access through the current front door in addition to what will become the main entrance at the back of the building near the parking lot. Can a ramp be integrated into the architecture and still look good? Can it be combined with a porch?
We will have another open house at the Library on Saturday, April 18 from 1-4 p.m.
Our next meeting is Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hatfield Library; Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
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