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
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
LFNAC Minutes – February 26, 2009
The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee met at the Hatfield Public Library at 6:40 p.m.
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale, architect; Trustee Chair Melissa Green joined the group during the meeting.
Absent: Milton Howard
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: To pay Sheila for 4 additional hours of work and to pay Stephen Hale $7664.
There was discussion of the comments made from the Open Forum held February 21.
Issues were
- using or not using the space that is currently the children's room;
- that we haven't allocated enough space for the museum;
- one selectman wants both the library and museum in the present town hall.
The Committee has already discussed the fact that the library would not easily fit into the Town Hall or the Center School regardless of the amount of money spent. Stephen says there are much better uses of the Center School (e.g. apartments) than a library.
Martin suggested that if the museum were part of the library, we could include it in our construction plans. A combined collection (books, etc. and artifacts) under the authority of the library director would help with security of the museum collection. Can the library staff handle this additional responsibility? Would the new director be qualified to maintain the artifacts and other museum items?
We discussed various drawings of our final two options: add/reno to Dickinson or a new building next to Dickinson. A new building requires more overall footprint on the site. Abutters (currently Thomas and Mary Lynn Carroll) will be crowded. The town would lose some park-like space. Pushing the building back will encroach on the water detention area which may have to be reengineered. A new building will be less expensive than an add/reno and be better organized for a small staff.
An add/reno will cost approximately 20% more and be more difficult to design in terms of ensuring equal access regardless of mobility. It will require an elevator and two fire stairs because there will be 3 floors (basement, first floor, attic), and it will be more difficult to staff as there will not be a staff person on every floor. However, many townspeople want the library to stay in its current building. Committee members agreed that an add/reno would be an easier sell to the town.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: Proceed with design for an addition/renovation to Dickinson Memorial.
Our next meeting is Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hatfield Library; Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
Committee members are planning a day trip to visit some of Stephen’s other library projects. Tentative date is Friday, April 3.
The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale, architect; Trustee Chair Melissa Green joined the group during the meeting.
Absent: Milton Howard
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: To pay Sheila for 4 additional hours of work and to pay Stephen Hale $7664.
There was discussion of the comments made from the Open Forum held February 21.
Issues were
- using or not using the space that is currently the children's room;
- that we haven't allocated enough space for the museum;
- one selectman wants both the library and museum in the present town hall.
The Committee has already discussed the fact that the library would not easily fit into the Town Hall or the Center School regardless of the amount of money spent. Stephen says there are much better uses of the Center School (e.g. apartments) than a library.
Martin suggested that if the museum were part of the library, we could include it in our construction plans. A combined collection (books, etc. and artifacts) under the authority of the library director would help with security of the museum collection. Can the library staff handle this additional responsibility? Would the new director be qualified to maintain the artifacts and other museum items?
We discussed various drawings of our final two options: add/reno to Dickinson or a new building next to Dickinson. A new building requires more overall footprint on the site. Abutters (currently Thomas and Mary Lynn Carroll) will be crowded. The town would lose some park-like space. Pushing the building back will encroach on the water detention area which may have to be reengineered. A new building will be less expensive than an add/reno and be better organized for a small staff.
An add/reno will cost approximately 20% more and be more difficult to design in terms of ensuring equal access regardless of mobility. It will require an elevator and two fire stairs because there will be 3 floors (basement, first floor, attic), and it will be more difficult to staff as there will not be a staff person on every floor. However, many townspeople want the library to stay in its current building. Committee members agreed that an add/reno would be an easier sell to the town.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: Proceed with design for an addition/renovation to Dickinson Memorial.
Our next meeting is Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hatfield Library; Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
Committee members are planning a day trip to visit some of Stephen’s other library projects. Tentative date is Friday, April 3.
The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Thank You, Sheila
Sheila McCormick, Director of the Hatfield Public Library since 2001, is the Director of the Sunderland Public Library as of February 23, 2009.
Sheila has done an amazing amount of work for HPL, especially in the last two years. While members of the Board of Trustees helped, Sheila was the person who wrote the grant proposal which resulted in obtaining $40,000 from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners for a Planning and Design project. (As a stipulation for receiving the $40,000, HPL was required to raise an additional $20,000, which it did.)
Sheila helped to select the members of LFNAC - the Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee - to implement the grant. Since November of 2007, LFNAC has been meeting regularly and Sheila attended every meeting.
It was Sheila who wrote the Builing Program, the document that is currently guiding LFNAC and architect Stephen Hale in choosing a location for the new, improved Hatfield Public Libraryand designing the actual building.
Thank you, Sheila, for all of your hard work. Please be sure to visit us in a few years (although we hope to see you sooner) when you can see the beautiful new library that you helped create for Hatfield.
Sheila has done an amazing amount of work for HPL, especially in the last two years. While members of the Board of Trustees helped, Sheila was the person who wrote the grant proposal which resulted in obtaining $40,000 from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners for a Planning and Design project. (As a stipulation for receiving the $40,000, HPL was required to raise an additional $20,000, which it did.)
Sheila helped to select the members of LFNAC - the Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee - to implement the grant. Since November of 2007, LFNAC has been meeting regularly and Sheila attended every meeting.
It was Sheila who wrote the Builing Program, the document that is currently guiding LFNAC and architect Stephen Hale in choosing a location for the new, improved Hatfield Public Libraryand designing the actual building.
Thank you, Sheila, for all of your hard work. Please be sure to visit us in a few years (although we hope to see you sooner) when you can see the beautiful new library that you helped create for Hatfield.
LFNAC Minutes – February 12, 2009
The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee met at the Hatfield Public Library at 6:45 p.m.
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Milton Howard, Sheila McCormick, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale, architect; and Rosemary Waltos from the Mass. Board of Library Commissioners
Stephen distributed updated site analysis matrix and ranking paperwork. He also presented more detailed drawings of the 5 possible sites including landscaping and parking. Our top two choices remain our top two choices.
There were several different drawings of an add/reno to Dickinson and also of a new building near Dickinson. There was much discussion of all possibilities.
LFNAC will meet with the Selectboard on Tuesday, February 17 at about 7:40 p.m. This will be a televised meeting, so some Hatfield residents will hear about our work to date. Selectboard members will see the ranking sheet. Stephen will not attend this meeting, but will be available by telephone if needed.
We will hold an open forum at the library on Saturday, February 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. Stephen will enlarge the drawings of the 2 sites. There will be no formal program, but Stephen and LFNAC members will be there to answer questions. There will be light refreshments. Lynn will create a poster and email it to all members to distribute. Harold will post the forum on cable. Dodie will post the forum at Town Hall and also contact the Hampshire Gazette.
After discussing the situation with Rosemary, we decided to remain with our goal of a presentation at Town Meeting in May. We will ask for approval of the design and also approval to proceed with the next step which is to apply for a construction grant. The next construction grant round is likely to take place in January of 2010.
Sheila’s last day is Wednesday, February 18. There will be a going away party for her that evening from 6-8 p.m. at the library.
Our next meeting is Thursday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hatfield Library; Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Milton Howard, Sheila McCormick, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale, architect; and Rosemary Waltos from the Mass. Board of Library Commissioners
Stephen distributed updated site analysis matrix and ranking paperwork. He also presented more detailed drawings of the 5 possible sites including landscaping and parking. Our top two choices remain our top two choices.
There were several different drawings of an add/reno to Dickinson and also of a new building near Dickinson. There was much discussion of all possibilities.
LFNAC will meet with the Selectboard on Tuesday, February 17 at about 7:40 p.m. This will be a televised meeting, so some Hatfield residents will hear about our work to date. Selectboard members will see the ranking sheet. Stephen will not attend this meeting, but will be available by telephone if needed.
We will hold an open forum at the library on Saturday, February 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. Stephen will enlarge the drawings of the 2 sites. There will be no formal program, but Stephen and LFNAC members will be there to answer questions. There will be light refreshments. Lynn will create a poster and email it to all members to distribute. Harold will post the forum on cable. Dodie will post the forum at Town Hall and also contact the Hampshire Gazette.
After discussing the situation with Rosemary, we decided to remain with our goal of a presentation at Town Meeting in May. We will ask for approval of the design and also approval to proceed with the next step which is to apply for a construction grant. The next construction grant round is likely to take place in January of 2010.
Sheila’s last day is Wednesday, February 18. There will be a going away party for her that evening from 6-8 p.m. at the library.
Our next meeting is Thursday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hatfield Library; Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Sunday, February 15, 2009
LFNAC Minutes – January 31, 2009
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Milton Howard, Sheila McCormick, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: George Ashley, President of the Historical Commission
Committee members described to George conversations we had had with Historical Society officers. According to George, the Historical Society has money in their treasury, but given the monthly maintenance cost of the Dickinson building, that money would soon be depleted. If the library vacates the building, the Historical Commission will argue to keep the building as a museum. Ideally, the two reading rooms would be display area and the attic would be work area. LFNAC members reminded George that if Dickinson becomes a museum, it is a change of use and would likely be subject to ADA compliance.
According to George, the Museum is owned by the town; the collections are under supervision of the town. It is up to the Historical Commission on behalf of the town to say where the museum is located. Members of the Historical Society do all of the actual work involved with the museum and collection.
LFNAC should meet with the Selectboard to keep them informed of where we are in our discussions with the Historical Society and Historical Commission and progress in general. We want the Selectboard to know that we’ve narrowed our options for a library site. Harold will try to get on the Selecboard agenda within the first 2 weeks of February. There’s no need for Stephen Hale to be present, although Harold will let him know about the meeting. Stephen may be able to answer some questions. [Note: LFNAC is on the agenda for February 17 at about 7:40.].
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: To pay attorney Joe Cook for the work he did in reviewing the contract with Stephen Hale.
There are some potential problems with the Smith Academy Site (e.g. space, water issues). Rather than keep it in the mix of options and having Stephen spend time (i.e. grant money) designing a building for the site, the Committee decided to eliminate it now.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: Eliminate the Smith Academy site from consideration as a place for the new Hatfield Public Library.
Harold will create a Yahoo Group so that all LFNAC members can have access to the latest spreadsheets (site analysis matrix, preliminary cost figures, etc.) as they are revised.
We plan on visiting other town groups during April to let as many residents as possible know what LFNAC has been doing. We identified the Library Friends, Hatfield Book Club, Council on Aging (lunch?), Lions Club, Hatfield Business Association, Hatfield Education Foundation, and PTO. Perhaps also town committees, although it is likely that most of those members are also involved in the above organizations. We also need to look at what else is happening before setting a schedule, e.g. holidays, school vacation.
LFNAC members should continue to visit other libraries as opportunities arise. Two questions to ask staff: What is the best thing about your library building? What is the worst thing?
Our next meeting is Thursday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hatfield Library; the following meeting will be Thursday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. Stephen Hale will attend these meetings.
The meeting adjourned at 10:19 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Committee members described to George conversations we had had with Historical Society officers. According to George, the Historical Society has money in their treasury, but given the monthly maintenance cost of the Dickinson building, that money would soon be depleted. If the library vacates the building, the Historical Commission will argue to keep the building as a museum. Ideally, the two reading rooms would be display area and the attic would be work area. LFNAC members reminded George that if Dickinson becomes a museum, it is a change of use and would likely be subject to ADA compliance.
According to George, the Museum is owned by the town; the collections are under supervision of the town. It is up to the Historical Commission on behalf of the town to say where the museum is located. Members of the Historical Society do all of the actual work involved with the museum and collection.
LFNAC should meet with the Selectboard to keep them informed of where we are in our discussions with the Historical Society and Historical Commission and progress in general. We want the Selectboard to know that we’ve narrowed our options for a library site. Harold will try to get on the Selecboard agenda within the first 2 weeks of February. There’s no need for Stephen Hale to be present, although Harold will let him know about the meeting. Stephen may be able to answer some questions. [Note: LFNAC is on the agenda for February 17 at about 7:40.].
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: To pay attorney Joe Cook for the work he did in reviewing the contract with Stephen Hale.
There are some potential problems with the Smith Academy Site (e.g. space, water issues). Rather than keep it in the mix of options and having Stephen spend time (i.e. grant money) designing a building for the site, the Committee decided to eliminate it now.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: Eliminate the Smith Academy site from consideration as a place for the new Hatfield Public Library.
Harold will create a Yahoo Group so that all LFNAC members can have access to the latest spreadsheets (site analysis matrix, preliminary cost figures, etc.) as they are revised.
We plan on visiting other town groups during April to let as many residents as possible know what LFNAC has been doing. We identified the Library Friends, Hatfield Book Club, Council on Aging (lunch?), Lions Club, Hatfield Business Association, Hatfield Education Foundation, and PTO. Perhaps also town committees, although it is likely that most of those members are also involved in the above organizations. We also need to look at what else is happening before setting a schedule, e.g. holidays, school vacation.
LFNAC members should continue to visit other libraries as opportunities arise. Two questions to ask staff: What is the best thing about your library building? What is the worst thing?
Our next meeting is Thursday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hatfield Library; the following meeting will be Thursday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. Stephen Hale will attend these meetings.
The meeting adjourned at 10:19 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Sunday, February 1, 2009
LFNAC Minutes – January 26, 2009
The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee met at the Hatfield Public Library at 6:30 p.m.
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Sheila McCormick, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale
Absent: Milton Howard
We reviewed the spreadsheet that Stephen had compiled based on an earlier version of our Building Program and updated the information to conform to our official Program.
We reviewed a new spreadsheet compiled by Stephen which contained rough cost estimates of the 5 possible sites for a new Library. Renovation to the Center School is the most costly option in terms of dollar amounts; addition/renovation to Town Hall is the next most costly.
We also discussed another category called “Town Impact (on other buildings in town)”. We added all of these figures to the Site Analysis Matrix that we’ve been working on during the last few meetings.
Renovation of the Center School and addition/renovation to Town Hall scored the lowest. MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: Eliminate these two options from consideration.
Harold reported on the meeting of the Center School group. He relayed to them our concerns with using the Center School for a new Library. That committee posed the question: What about moving all town offices to the Center School and using the entire Town Hall for the Library? LFNAC rejected that proposal since it is dependent on too many things happening before we can begin to make serious plans.
LFNAC viewed several preliminary sketches of the remaining 3 sites and discussed the pros and cons of each. We’re hoping to decide on the one best site soon.
We still need to plan for forums and information sessions.
Our next meeting is Saturday, January 31 at 9:00 a.m. at the Library.
The following meeting will be Thursday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m. Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Sheila McCormick, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale
Absent: Milton Howard
We reviewed the spreadsheet that Stephen had compiled based on an earlier version of our Building Program and updated the information to conform to our official Program.
We reviewed a new spreadsheet compiled by Stephen which contained rough cost estimates of the 5 possible sites for a new Library. Renovation to the Center School is the most costly option in terms of dollar amounts; addition/renovation to Town Hall is the next most costly.
We also discussed another category called “Town Impact (on other buildings in town)”. We added all of these figures to the Site Analysis Matrix that we’ve been working on during the last few meetings.
Renovation of the Center School and addition/renovation to Town Hall scored the lowest. MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: Eliminate these two options from consideration.
Harold reported on the meeting of the Center School group. He relayed to them our concerns with using the Center School for a new Library. That committee posed the question: What about moving all town offices to the Center School and using the entire Town Hall for the Library? LFNAC rejected that proposal since it is dependent on too many things happening before we can begin to make serious plans.
LFNAC viewed several preliminary sketches of the remaining 3 sites and discussed the pros and cons of each. We’re hoping to decide on the one best site soon.
We still need to plan for forums and information sessions.
Our next meeting is Saturday, January 31 at 9:00 a.m. at the Library.
The following meeting will be Thursday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m. Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
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