By James Lomuscio
The Westport Library’s long sought redo transforming it into a state-of-the art information and community center got a major boost tonight as the Board of Finance unanimously approved $5 million for renovations.
An architect’s rendering of how the proposed Westport Library’s Great Hall will look in a forum set up. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
The approval came with the contingency that the Library board raise the remaining $4.8 million for the project totaling $19.5 million before construction begins.
A target date for construction is Aug. 1, with a 17-month expected completion, according to Tom Walsh of AP Construction. He also said the work would be orchestrated in phases to keep the library open during construction.
Library Director Bill Harmer made the tonight’s request, noting that the town’s commitment, which has been part of its long-term capital forecast, represent about 20 percent of the total $19.5 million tab. The rest is being raised by the Library supporters via private donations and grants.
“The library is no longer state-of-the-art,” Harmer said about the current building.
The Library, which opened a century ago on Post Road East between Parker Harding Plaza and Main Street, has been at its current Jesup Green, riverfront location since the early 1980s. It was last remodeled in 1996.
“We’‘re going to turn the library upside down,” Harmer said, saying that the current stacks would be moved to the ground floor while the main hall would be used for community events and a convention style auditorium. “…We’re in effect going to have two libraries.”
The lower level, much of which is a hallway, would be widened to include stacks and reading areas to take advantage of the Saugatuck River views through larger windows. Even the lower level entrance from Jesup Green would be centered to focus attention on the new design, he said.
The main floor, which would remain accessible from the parking lot, will serve as multi-purpose gathering space, from lectures to demonstrations to providing office space, he said.
Harmer added that the renovations would not change the library’s footprint on the riverfront site.
Michael Rea, finance board vice chairman, asked if the new design would serve the facility well into the future, or if library boosters would be back in years to come.
“This is it,” Rea said.
Finance board member Lee Caney countered that future renovations could be in the offing with changes in technology.
Jennifer Tooker of the finance board said while she was excited by the project, she would not support any further funds for the renovations.
Brian Stern, finance board chairman, gave full support to the appropriation, saying that the Library, like Compo Beach, Longshore Club Park and the town’s proximity to New York, made it integral to the town’s quality of life.
“It’s a big part of the brand of Westport,” said Stern.
Just a question as I did not watch the BofF meeting—was the $5 million in the town budget this year? Or will it be added to next years budget? Are we bonding this capital need or expensing it?