Members of LFNAC (Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee) are VERY HAPPY. After 18 months of meetings and discussions, plus lots of time and energy, our hard work has paid off.
At Town Meeting on May 12, the citizens of Hatfield voted “to approve the scope and preliminary design for renovation and expansion of the Dickinson Memorial Library and Museum” and “To authorize the Library Trustees of the Hatfield Public Library and/or the Board of Selectmen to apply for and accept any grants which may be available for the project.”
Now the serious fund-raising begins. The Library Trustees are forming a Fund-Raising Committee that will be organizing a variety of events designed to raise awareness of the upcoming Library Building Project and to contact potential donors.
Construction grant funds will likely be available from the state in January of 2010 and the Library Trustees will submit an application. The Trustees and the Fund-Raising Committee will also research the feasibility of other grants such as Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds and funds for historic preservation.
All Hatfield residents have an opportunity to become involved in this exciting project by serving on the Fund-Raising Committee or by making a generous donation to the new Hatfield Public Library.
May 17, 2009
Showing posts with label Update. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Update. Show all posts
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
LFNAC UPDATE April 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
LFNAC UPDATE December 2008
We have a Building Program!
Written by Director Sheila McCormick with input from LFNAC members, the Building Program is a description of Hatfield including demographic information; a description of the current library, its assets and its deficiencies; and a description of the best library for Hatfield incorporating square footage for different service areas, types of furniture, shelving, and work space. The Building Program was approved by the Board of Trustees and by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Copies are available at Town Hall and the Library.
We have an Architect!
We have selected Stephen Hale of Hale Associates, Boston, Mass. to work with us on the feasibility study. He will look at our current building, the Center School, the space between Dickinson Memorial and the Elementary School, and space near Smith Academy. Together, we will assess the possibilities of all sites and hope to have a recommendation to bring to Town Meeting in May. Be assured that there will be plenty of opportunities for Hatfield residents to comment throughout the process.
LFNAC consists of eight members: Library Director Sheila McCormick; 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.
12/6/2008
Written by Director Sheila McCormick with input from LFNAC members, the Building Program is a description of Hatfield including demographic information; a description of the current library, its assets and its deficiencies; and a description of the best library for Hatfield incorporating square footage for different service areas, types of furniture, shelving, and work space. The Building Program was approved by the Board of Trustees and by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Copies are available at Town Hall and the Library.
We have an Architect!
We have selected Stephen Hale of Hale Associates, Boston, Mass. to work with us on the feasibility study. He will look at our current building, the Center School, the space between Dickinson Memorial and the Elementary School, and space near Smith Academy. Together, we will assess the possibilities of all sites and hope to have a recommendation to bring to Town Meeting in May. Be assured that there will be plenty of opportunities for Hatfield residents to comment throughout the process.
LFNAC consists of eight members: Library Director Sheila McCormick; 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.
12/6/2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
LFNAC UPDATE August 2008
We’ve finished the interviews! The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee interviewed 5 architectural firms who submitted proposals to complete a feasibility study of the new improved Hatfield Public Library. Now comes the hard part. The Committee will soon meet to discuss the interviews and choose the best firm for the job. All of the firms gave excellent presentations. Three were taped and have been airing on the local cable channel.
Before we sign a contract, however, the Library Board of Trustees must approve the Building Program which director Sheila McCormick has nearly completed. The Building Program consists of a detailed description of the town including history and demographics. It also lists the various areas of the library (e.g. circulation desk, reading area, children’s area, staff work area), each area’s function, size and what furnishings and other amenities that are required – such as good lighting. The Building Program will guide the architect as he or she studies the various options for the library. This is where we will seriously begin to look at a renovation and expansion of Dickinson Memorial Hall or other alternatives. Stay tuned!
LFNAC consists of nine members: Library Director Sheila McCormick; Library Trustee Dodie Gaudet; Historical Commission Liaison Lynn Omasta, Vice-Chair; Martin Antonetti, Susan 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.
Before we sign a contract, however, the Library Board of Trustees must approve the Building Program which director Sheila McCormick has nearly completed. The Building Program consists of a detailed description of the town including history and demographics. It also lists the various areas of the library (e.g. circulation desk, reading area, children’s area, staff work area), each area’s function, size and what furnishings and other amenities that are required – such as good lighting. The Building Program will guide the architect as he or she studies the various options for the library. This is where we will seriously begin to look at a renovation and expansion of Dickinson Memorial Hall or other alternatives. Stay tuned!
LFNAC consists of nine members: Library Director Sheila McCormick; Library Trustee Dodie Gaudet; Historical Commission Liaison Lynn Omasta, Vice-Chair; Martin Antonetti, Susan 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.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
LFNAC UPDATE June 2008
LFNAC members have been meeting every two weeks and here’s what we’ve accomplished.
We reviewed again the proposals of the eight architectural firms that made the cut for semi-finalist and narrowed the field to five. We have scheduled interviews for the firms on the following dates:
July 10 Durland Van Voorhis
July 14 Michael Rosenfeld
July 17 DRA
July 28 Margo Jones
July 31 Hale
All interviews will be held at Smith Academy at 6:00 p.m. and will last approximately 1 ½ hours. All interviews will be taped for broadcast at a later date.
At its last meeting, the Committee developed a series of questions to ask all of the finalists.
LFNAC consists of nine members: Library Director Sheila McCormick; Library Trustee Dodie Gaudet; Historical Commission Liaison Lynn Omasta, Vice-Chair; Martin Antonetti, Susan 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.
We reviewed again the proposals of the eight architectural firms that made the cut for semi-finalist and narrowed the field to five. We have scheduled interviews for the firms on the following dates:
July 10 Durland Van Voorhis
July 14 Michael Rosenfeld
July 17 DRA
July 28 Margo Jones
July 31 Hale
All interviews will be held at Smith Academy at 6:00 p.m. and will last approximately 1 ½ hours. All interviews will be taped for broadcast at a later date.
At its last meeting, the Committee developed a series of questions to ask all of the finalists.
LFNAC consists of nine members: Library Director Sheila McCormick; Library Trustee Dodie Gaudet; Historical Commission Liaison Lynn Omasta, Vice-Chair; Martin Antonetti, Susan 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.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
LFNAC UPDATE May 2008
LFNAC members have been very busy during March and April. We’ve been meeting every two weeks and have accomplished the following things.
The Committee hosted a “pre-bid walk-through” for the architectural firms interested in responding to our RFQ or Request for Qualifications. Representatives from 19 firms toured the Dickinson building, the Town Hall and the areas surrounding both buildings. They looked at the Center School, too, and also viewed the area adjacent to Smith Academy.
Fifteen of those firms submitted information by the deadline on April 12. The committee has narrowed its choice to eight companies. We will discuss these in more detail and choose 3 or 4 semi-finalists to be interviewed. The finalist will help the Committee locate the best site for the new Hatfield Library.
LFNAC met with the Library Trustees, the Historical Commission, the Historical Society and the Selectboard at the end of March to let all of them know what progress has been made and to discuss the future of Dickinson Memorial should the library move. It’s still too early to know whether the building will be renovated and added to for the library or if a brand new building will be built. The above groups will meet again in the future when LFNAC’s plans are further along.
The Committee now has a blog! You can read the minutes from all meetings at http://hatfieldlfnac.blogspot.com/
LFNAC consists of nine members: Library Director Sheila McCormick; Library Trustee Dodie Gaudet; Historical Commission Liaison Lynn Omasta; Martin Antonetti, Susan Gaughan; Harold Green, Chair; Milton Howard; Mike Paszek; and Mary Williams.
The Committee hosted a “pre-bid walk-through” for the architectural firms interested in responding to our RFQ or Request for Qualifications. Representatives from 19 firms toured the Dickinson building, the Town Hall and the areas surrounding both buildings. They looked at the Center School, too, and also viewed the area adjacent to Smith Academy.
Fifteen of those firms submitted information by the deadline on April 12. The committee has narrowed its choice to eight companies. We will discuss these in more detail and choose 3 or 4 semi-finalists to be interviewed. The finalist will help the Committee locate the best site for the new Hatfield Library.
LFNAC met with the Library Trustees, the Historical Commission, the Historical Society and the Selectboard at the end of March to let all of them know what progress has been made and to discuss the future of Dickinson Memorial should the library move. It’s still too early to know whether the building will be renovated and added to for the library or if a brand new building will be built. The above groups will meet again in the future when LFNAC’s plans are further along.
The Committee now has a blog! You can read the minutes from all meetings at http://hatfieldlfnac.blogspot.com/
LFNAC consists of nine members: Library Director Sheila McCormick; Library Trustee Dodie Gaudet; Historical Commission Liaison Lynn Omasta; Martin Antonetti, Susan Gaughan; Harold Green, Chair; Milton Howard; Mike Paszek; and Mary Williams.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
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
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
LFNAC UPDATE – February 2008
LFNAC - The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee – is moving along! We met twice during January and here’s what we’ve done so far:
Developed a Mission Statement:
LFNAC’s mission is to
1. Assess the present facilities, resources and services offered by the Hatfield Public Library;
2. Study all of the available options for a new or renovated facility that will meet the identified needs of the town of Hatfield for at least the next 20 years; and
3. Present these proposals to the residents of Hatfield.
Submitted a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for an architect and a project manager to help us with our mission and submitted the RFQ to the Massachusetts Central Register.
Began developing a wish list for the ideal library. We know we won’t be able to include everything on the list, but we’ll do the very best we can to ensure the residents of Hatfield have a library they can be proud of.
LFNAC consists of nine members: Library Director Sheila McCormick; Library Trustee Dodie Gaudet; Historical Commission Liaison Lynn Omasta; Martin Antonetti, Sue Gaughan; Harold Green; 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.
Watch this space for more updates on the LFNAC’s progress. 2/2/08
Developed a Mission Statement:
LFNAC’s mission is to
1. Assess the present facilities, resources and services offered by the Hatfield Public Library;
2. Study all of the available options for a new or renovated facility that will meet the identified needs of the town of Hatfield for at least the next 20 years; and
3. Present these proposals to the residents of Hatfield.
Submitted a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for an architect and a project manager to help us with our mission and submitted the RFQ to the Massachusetts Central Register.
Began developing a wish list for the ideal library. We know we won’t be able to include everything on the list, but we’ll do the very best we can to ensure the residents of Hatfield have a library they can be proud of.
LFNAC consists of nine members: Library Director Sheila McCormick; Library Trustee Dodie Gaudet; Historical Commission Liaison Lynn Omasta; Martin Antonetti, Sue Gaughan; Harold Green; 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.
Watch this space for more updates on the LFNAC’s progress. 2/2/08
LFNAC UPDATE – January 2008
LFNAC (pronounced “elfnack”) met on December 8 and continued its visits to area libraries. This time we visited the Meekins Library in Williamsburg and the Lilly Library in Florence. Both of these buildings were renovated with large additions added. Both of these libraries also now consist of two floors and have elevators, unlike the single story libraries we visited in November: Sunderland, Leverett and Wendell. Those buildings were all brand new construction.
One of the issues this Committee will tackle is whether to keep the Hatfield Library in the current Dickinson Memorial building and build an addition; build a brand new facility; or use an existing facility in town. Obviously, there are pros and cons for each approach. Regardless of the final recommendation, the Hatfield Public Library will be a larger, more up-to-date building and will meet the information, education and recreational needs of Hatfield’s residents for many years to come.
LFNAC stands for the Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee. The group consists of nine members: Library Director Sheila McCormick; Library Trustee Dodie Gaudet; Historical Commission Liaison Lynn Omasta; Martin Antonetti, Sue Gaughan; Harold Green; 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.
Watch this space for more updates on the LFNAC’s progress.
1/5/08
One of the issues this Committee will tackle is whether to keep the Hatfield Library in the current Dickinson Memorial building and build an addition; build a brand new facility; or use an existing facility in town. Obviously, there are pros and cons for each approach. Regardless of the final recommendation, the Hatfield Public Library will be a larger, more up-to-date building and will meet the information, education and recreational needs of Hatfield’s residents for many years to come.
LFNAC stands for the Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee. The group consists of nine members: Library Director Sheila McCormick; Library Trustee Dodie Gaudet; Historical Commission Liaison Lynn Omasta; Martin Antonetti, Sue Gaughan; Harold Green; 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.
Watch this space for more updates on the LFNAC’s progress.
1/5/08
LFNAC UPDATE – December 2007
LFNAC (pronounced “elfnack”) stands for the Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee. A long name for a group with an important assignment: To study all of the available options for a new or renovated public library in Hatfield and to make a recommendation to the town.
The group consists of nine members: Library Director Sheila McCormick; Library Trustee Dodie Gaudet; Historical Commission Liaison Lynn Omasta; Martin Antonetti, Sue Gaughan; Harold Green; Milton Howard; Mike Paszek; and Mary Williams.
LFNAC met on November 17 and after a brief session to learn about the shortcomings with the current library building and features to note in new library buildings, committee members set out to visit the public libraries in Sunderland, Wendell and Levertt. These are all new buildings built within the last 4 years.
Since what works in theory doesn’t always translate when put into practice, members of LFNAC talked with the staff of these libraries and asked their opinions as to the best features of their new libraries and what might have been done differently. We looked at their designs and layout, their furniture and lighting.
There are two more libraries to visit: Meekins in Williamsburg and Lilly in Florence. Both of these are old library buildings which were renovated and added to. This is another option for Hatfield.
Armed with this information, LFNAC will look at what sort of library will best serve the residents of Hatfield.
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.
Watch this space for more updates on the LFNAC’s progress.
12/8/07
The group consists of nine members: Library Director Sheila McCormick; Library Trustee Dodie Gaudet; Historical Commission Liaison Lynn Omasta; Martin Antonetti, Sue Gaughan; Harold Green; Milton Howard; Mike Paszek; and Mary Williams.
LFNAC met on November 17 and after a brief session to learn about the shortcomings with the current library building and features to note in new library buildings, committee members set out to visit the public libraries in Sunderland, Wendell and Levertt. These are all new buildings built within the last 4 years.
Since what works in theory doesn’t always translate when put into practice, members of LFNAC talked with the staff of these libraries and asked their opinions as to the best features of their new libraries and what might have been done differently. We looked at their designs and layout, their furniture and lighting.
There are two more libraries to visit: Meekins in Williamsburg and Lilly in Florence. Both of these are old library buildings which were renovated and added to. This is another option for Hatfield.
Armed with this information, LFNAC will look at what sort of library will best serve the residents of Hatfield.
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.
Watch this space for more updates on the LFNAC’s progress.
12/8/07
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