Fall 2013 workshops on Building and Site Considerations and Public Comment

1. Fall 2013 workshops on Building and Site Considerations and Public Comment September 5: History of Library and Building Project October 3: Overview of Properties Considered Tonight: Thursday, November 7, 2013 Summary of prior information presented Response to legal questions Comments from our Library Director of 20 years Public CommentNext Steps “Our Library. Essential to our Community.” Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

2. Our History • The Library moved into the first floor of the present location in 1930. Formerly the home of the local dentist, Dr. Casper Ganse and his wife Georgianna Rose Ganse, it was originally owned by Charles Woolsey from Marlboro. His widow sold it to the Ganses. 1905 Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

3. Our current Library building at 30 Church Street presents this view to the community. A fire in 1948 damaged most of the top floors. The two characteristic turrets, the Widow’s Walk and the wrap-around porch were lost. There are still charred beams in the attic. Original Building circa 1905

4. Our History In 1986 the NYS Board of Regents granted an Absolute Charter to the Highland PUBLIC Library, following a public vote. It now serves the entire population (12,514) of the Highland Central School District rather than only the population of the Town of Lloyd (10,683). Followed by a Certificate of Registration in September 1988.

5. The Process Constantly evolving since 1989 The Library Board of Trustees Five members since 1915, serving five year terms. Currently there is a maximum of two terms. The Board was expanded to seven members in 2012. Approximately 25 individuals have served as Library Trustees since 1989. The Task Plan for growth of Library space, resources and programs, and execute a plan supported by the community of the Library District. Public vote in December 2010. Over 1500 citizens voted, but the resolution failed by 91. Only one Trustee served during the 2010 vote process; six new members of the Boardtook office in either 2011, 2012, or 2013. The Process Has involved library specialists, lawyers, architects, interested citizens and the Library Trustees over the past 24 years. Multiple properties have been studied with numerous reports commissioned. What standards, guidelines have been applied? Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

6. The Process Constantly evolving since 1989 CONSTRAINTS and OPPORTUNITIES Location; proximity to Village Center Area Area vehicular traffic, safety concerns Parking availability Supervision issues Site access – walkability and pedestrian access Security issues Access to utilities – gas, electric, water, sewer Status of current building and property Advantage of engaged supporter base, marketability Potential for hazardous materials Proximity to schools and municipal buildings Unknown existing site conditions Staging area for construction Green space plan, tree plan Impact of construction on neighbors Site presence, visibility Green building strategies Grant availability Site acquisition cost Fundraising Plan Budget Impact, short term and long term Referendum Procedures Topography Potential for future expansion Status of tax rolls Tax impact Construction cost estimate Rental space issues, landlord legalities Reuse of existing building vs. new construction Temporary Storage, Location Issues Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

7. Our Present: Library Statistics 2012 Total items circulated: 116,255 Reference questions: 16,235 Population served: 12,514 PC use: 15,681 Total holdings: 47,877 Total annual visits: 54,970 Per capita tax dollars ($33.24) Building size: 2,900 Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

8. Our Present: The Value In 2012, the value of all the programs and services the Highland Public Library provided would cost $1,290,744.50 if purchased or rented at fair market value. The budget was $403,094.00. The public service return on investment of $386,094 in 2012 tax revenues: For every tax dollar ($1.00) spent to support the Library the public received $3.34 in programs and services. Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

9. Our Present: 2,900 Square Feet 2012 Holdings • 14,885 adult books • 13,151 children’s books • 1,481 CDs • 4,555 Videos • 4,779 Uncatalogued books and Serials • 7,547 Electronic Resources • 1,479 Downloadable audio titles 2012 Circulation • 26,379 adult books • 26,701 children’s books • 63,175 non-print (A/V) Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

10. Our Present: 2900 Square Feet 2012 Programs • 1432 children attended 203 programs • 983 adults attended 125 programs • 524 teens attended 92 programs Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

11. Who uses the library? Crafts Couponing Story times Tech petting zoo Book Club And much more! Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

12. Our Present: 2900 Square Feet We can no longer “fix” the building to make it work We cannot make it ADA compliant • Roof leaks • Duct Tape on the ceiling keeps lead paint from falling in our coffee • Cracks in walls and ceiling throughout • Security problems Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

13. Our Future: Community Concerns • Space for Community Groups to Use • “Reasonable” cost to the taxpayer • Proximity to Hamlet and existing services/agencies/schools • Parking, parking, parking • Fully Accessible, Safe, Healthy Building • Design to fit location, representative of our Hamlet • Timing of Vote • Fundraising Efforts Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

14. A new Highland Public Library should: • Include meeting space for local groups of various sizes to use • Address community need for space for museum and gallery displays, theater performances, historic references, possible outdoor space for reading, instructional sessions; very comfortable reading areas (like Barnes & Noble) • Remain in the Town Center • Utilize green building components and strategies • Maximize grantsmanship and allocate volunteer tasks • Be a strong, comprehensive library to attract families and businesses • Be a world class library as Highland develops into a world class town

15. ½ mile from town center ¼ mile from town center Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

16. Capital Campaign: Ongoing Fundraising Events Handmade items for sale in the library and at local businesses. Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

17. Capital Campaign: Ongoing Fundraising Events Bake sale at Hudsonfest After hours Halloween party in the library Rundead team Upcoming: Decorate the tree Wine and Cheese with silent auction T-shirts for sale in Library Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

18. Financial Due Diligence • Concept of fair market value for public entity; appraisals would establish what can be paid by a public entity; a public entity should not pay more than the fair market value • Example: • .25 acre of land with building assessed by Town at $250,000 • owner asks Library to pay $600,000 • appraisals performed by both parties; final agreement should reflect current fair market value; or Library may decide not to proceed at that site Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

19. Legal ramifications of leasing or being landlord • Use of volunteers • State grants • Construction process Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

20. Libraries reflect the highest ideals of the communities they serve Library is the heart and soul of a community: • Meeting Place for community members • Help for jobseekers • Homework help • Digital literacy and computer training • Free and equal access • Place to create The Federal Emergency Management Agency classified libraries as an essential service  Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

21. Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

22. Board of Trustees: Joanne Loewenthal, President Barbara Shepard, 1st Vice- President Nancy Hammond, 2nd Vice-President Mark McPeck, Financial Officer Melissa Oles Burdash, Secretary Darlene Plavchak Eric Norberg Julie Kelsall-Dempsey, Library Director ~ Tours available during Library Hours and prior to each Public Session ~ Comments may be sent to either the Board of Trustees or Library Director Mail: Highland Public Library 30 Church St Highland NY 12528 Email: jkelsall@highlandlibrary.org or librarybot12528@highlandlibrary.org Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

23. Thank you for your presence and participation. The Library Board is going to work over the next few Months, but we eagerly anticipate reporting back to the community in the Spring of 2014. Have a safe and healthy winter! Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary

24. This old house became a libraryThis old house has sloping floorsThis old house has drafty windowsThis old house has sticking doors This old house is very crowdedThis old house has limited spaceThis old library has done its bestThis old house now needs a rest Sites reviewed with pros and cons can be found at https://www.facebook.com/citizensforanewhighlandlibrary