Overview

 Since 1952 the Hiram Halle Library’s core mission has been to provide free and equal access to information for every resident, of any age and income. The resources of the library, through its own collections and its inter-library borrowing capability, are irreplaceable and enhance the quality of life of every single household in Pound Ridge.

 The Hiram Halle Library is also the cultural hub of our community. For over fifty years,  the vast majority of activities that bring neighbors together and provide the essence of a vital community take place at the library. By providing space to local groups and organizations, by hosting its own cultural events, and by engaging in cooperative ventures with other agencies, the library has become the focal point for the civic and cultural activity of Pound Ridge.

 However, the library that was created with generosity and foresight in 1952 needs to adapt to the Pound Ridge of today if it is to fulfill its mission.  Not only does the library serve a much larger population than it originally did, but the volume of information –the library’s primary “product”— and the ways of accessing it have changed radically in the last twenty-five years.  The facilities and services that were adequate for many years are no longer so. The library’s ability to deliver services is equally hampered by facilities that are too small for the number of users and inadequate for the types and number of needs that must be addressed.

 Any visitor to the library can see that the library does not have adequate space for its current content and programs. Examples include cramped shelf space for its book collections, not enough computer workstations, limited space in the Children’s Room, tight scheduling for the community room, etc. The limited space impinges on the Library’s ability to better serve our patrons, providing what Pound Ridge community members need, want and deserve

 Q and As

 1. What should the library provide in order to serve the community?

A successful library is one that makes it as easy as possible for all community members to use it, and efficiently and effectively provides the information and resources that they need.

♦        We envision a building where the collections are safe and readily available to all users, including those with special needs.

♦        We envision a library whose facilities accommodate the new technologies needed for accessing information in a manner consistent with 21^st century standards.

♦        We envision a children’s section with spacious and comfortable floor space where our youngest residents can learn, explore, and thrive.

♦        We envision an environment where teen-agers and other researchers can work with concentration.

♦        We envision a library that retains and expands its role as the cultural hub of our community.

2.   How would an expanded Library benefit the community?

 

Space and Design: An expanded library would address the growing and changing needs of our community, making it easier and more efficient to use.  An expanded library would provide improved and accessible space with a variety of clearly defined areas, including technology work stations, quiet study areas, children’s and young adult space, as well as handicapped access to our fiction, mystery, large print, science fiction and multi-media collections (collections currently accessible only via stairs).

The library would be well-designed, well-lit, and more inviting. The expanded library would also provide improved space for our popular children's programs, easier access from the parking area, and handicapped accessibility to the community room for special events when that room is open but the library is closed. At the same time, it will preserve the architecture and style of the historic building, maintaining the cherished character of Pound Ridge.

Technology: Serving an information-literate community will require more space for additional technology training, research and use, as well as locations with wireless access for library users’ own laptops,

Content: Expanded shelf space would allow us to properly maintain the book and media collections, and continue to expand content even as new formats are introduced. Although some people wonder if we really need shelf space if books may become obsolete, books are still widely used by our community. (Numbers here)  In fact, providing different formats of the same title (book, audio book, film version dvd) has dramatically increased, not decreased the need for shelf space.

3. Why do we need a bigger library when I can always go to or borrow books or other media via the internet from other libraries such as those in New Canaan or Bedford Village?

The Hiram Halle Library is, as is every public library in Westchester, a member of the Westchester Library System (WLS). You may go to any library, but in order for you to borrow books or media from another member of the WLS, your home library must be a member of and meet the WLS standards set by New York State.

The above is also true for inter-library loans requested by your local library.

Each member library is expected to have a basic collection and maintain it by adding a reasonable amount of current material. Each community’s library must do its share of collection development and not rely on neighboring libraries to support its needs. For example, the Pound Ridge library cannot not rely on Bedford Village to support its general need. The resource-sharing system works well mainly for popular/current items that we already own (but occasionally need more copies), and for specialized, technical, rarely-demanded, or out-of-print titles. This resource-sharing system works less well for current items that we do not own. If we must borrow these items from other libraries, the WLS automated system requires that our patrons wait until the other libraries first satisfy their own borrowers. Weeks could go by before our patrons’ requests are met. Thus, we cannot simply “borrow from other libraries,” and still give our patrons quality service. It is in our best interest to own as many high-demand items as possible, as our own patrons have first priority for these items.

Pound Ridge residents can go to any Connecticut library, but they cannot borrow items unless they pay a yearly fee. For example, the New Canaan Library currently charges $75.00 a year per person. In addition, Pound Ridge patrons would be limited just to New Canaan holdings unless they pay an additional fee.

If the Pound Ridge Library were to close, and patrons chose to use the Bedford Village Library, the Town of Pound Ridge would be considered an unserved area and would have to arrange a special contract with Bedford to cover all costs. If we remain open but do not expand, and become unable to meet WLS standards and the future library needs of our residents, they will go elsewhere and we might be required to compensate the other libraries financially.

In short, in order to serve our own community well, we cannot afford to rely on other communities to fulfill our needs.

4.  Why can’t the Library put (less) money into renovating its existing space? Couldn’t you renovate and reshuffle things, for example and make better use of the space in the basement?

The choice to expand and undertake a capital campaign has long been under consideration, and is not undertaken casually. An examination of the library’s needs and mission first led us to examine various ways to use the existing space more efficiently. Because of accessibility needs, staffing requirements, building and fire codes, we found that expanding the building would actually be more economical than trying to use the basement space.

5.  I don’t use the library. Why should I contribute to a capital campaign?

It is an important asset that affects everyone’s property values, and is therefore deserving of both philanthropic and tax-based support from all residents.

6.     I work during the week. What good is a new building if it is never open when I want to use it?

This year the voters supported a slight tax increase to accommodate additional library hours. With community support, this can be a continuing trend, but to have more evening and weekend hours would require increased staffing and funding. This choice is really up to the voters. 

For those who work during the week, the Library is open Tuesdays until 8PM and Saturdays from 10 until 3. In addition, Library card holders can search all Westchester Libraries and request interlibrary loans for delivery to Pound Ridge, which can be picked up Tuesday night or Saturday. You also have access to a range of on-line services 24/7 (www.poundridgelibrary.org), and are welcome to attend the concerts, lectures, art exhibits, and yoga classes, etc. that are available evenings and weekends.

The design, developed by architect Donald McDonald and revised many times with consultation with the Board of Trustees is a beautiful, highly functional building that maintains the historical character of the original building. The architect has designed many local library expansions and renovations – Bedford Village, South Salem, Somers and Pleasant Valley (Dutchess County). There are some design elements remaining to be fine-tuned, but in general, the plans are ready to be submitted for bidding and permits.

7.     What are some of the specific enhancements included in the new design?

There will be clearly defined areas and additional space for: technology workstations; technology training, research and use; locations with wireless access; quiet study areas; young adult activities; children’s programs. The new design includes improved lighting, a refurbished reading room, more shelf space for book and media collections, improved access to the collections (including fiction, mystery, large print, science fiction and multi-media which are now only accessible via stairs), a more accessible community room (handicapped access when the library is closed), better kitchen facilities, upgraded bathrooms with changing table, improved technology resources, areas for quiet reading and small group work, and a magical new children’s space. There will be easier access from the parking area. Safety will be enhanced.

8.     The Library is a landmark building, isn’t it? Won’t expanding the library destroy it? What will be done to ensure that the integrity of our landmark library is maintained? 
The building is a Pound Ridge landmark, and as such the historical nature of the building will be maintained. In fact, the expansion will improve upon the previous addition and make it more in line with the historical character of the original building.

 

9.     How will the expansion impact the Library’s issues with traffic and parking?
Traffic and parking are issues when there are community events at the library. The library usage is already high. Since 80% of Pound Ridge residents have a library card, so we do not expect a significant increase in the number of users. The number of parking spaces will be increased with the expansion.

10.   Are there any planning/zoning issues that need to be addressed?

Yes, Zoning set back issues, planning board parking, storm water and health department issues. All issues are the type normally found with projects like this and should not pose unusual or insurmountable problems.

11. How long will construction take?

 

Hopefully, the construction will take a little less than a year.

12.  Will the library be open during the construction? What provisions will be made for the town (meetings, activities, etc.) during the construction?  

Every attempt will be made to keep the library open as much as possible, but health, safety and finances need to be considered. It is likely that parts or all of the library will be unavailable during part of the construction. Using Conant Hall, the Town House, and space in Scotts Corners for some activities will have to be considered.

13.  Will the plan address the library’s moisture-related problems?

These issues are currently being addressed, independent of the proposed expansion. The proposed expansion will include newer technology to deal with potential moisture problems.

 

14.  What, if anything. will be done about the flat roof that accumulates ice and snow during the winter, then leaks when there is a thaw?

The flat roof would remain, but the roofing material would change from the existing built-up type to a single ply rubber membrane – a much better roofing system.

15.   How will we pay for it? 

A capital campaign sponsored by the new Pound Ridge Library Foundation will finance the expansion.

16.   Do we really need a capital campaign to fund an expanded library? 

A capital campaign is a special, time-limited effort to raise a large amount of money for a specific purpose. The moneys raised can only be used for the purpose for which they were solicited, rather than for general operations; in this case, improvements to the library building.

This method has the added advantages of keeping taxes low for the general public, and of providing  a significant philanthropic opportunity for people wishing to increase their support to the library.

17.  Will the Library need to hire more staff if it expands as planned?

The planned expansion will not require an increase in staff.

18.  What happens if we fall short of the total goal?

We feel that the expansion is what the community needs, wants and deserves. The expansion plan is reasonable and we know that Pound Ridgers are in a position to fund such a project.

19.  Will taxes need to be increased to maintain a bigger building? Is it realistic to think we could build and maintain this larger building and still have the resources to increase library resources (books, CD's, technology) and hours? 

Naturally some costs will go up, but we expect operating cost increases will be much less than the increase in the size of the building.  New systems will be more efficient, and taxpayers will be getting much more for their money with an efficient, usable space. Historically, the board and director have made every effort to be fiscally responsible, as demonstrated by the annual budget. This year, voters approved a slight increase to cover expanded hours. The budget is presented annually for a vote, so the taxpayers have the final say regarding the operating expenses

20.Does the public really want this? How do you know? 

Members of the Pound Ridge Library Foundation (PRLF) and the Library  Board of Trustees are members of this community with many contacts. Furthermore, patrons of the Library make their feelings known to the staff.  There is every indication that this is something the community members want, deserve, and are in a position to fund. Even before formally announcing the campaign, pledges for (30%) of the funding have already been made.

For additional information, contact:

PRLF President Laura Henry  764-4230 or

Rosa Portell-Weinstock  764-5516.

 

Tax deductible contributions can be made to the Pound Ridge Library Foundation, PO Box 515, Pound Ridge, NY 10576.  Please note that the donation is for the capital campaign and include any matching gift information.

©Pound Ridge Library Foundation, PO Box 515, Pound Ridge, NY 10576             3/2006