Children’s Room Expansion: FAQs
New Children’s Addition
Frequently Asked Questions
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FAQ’s
1. Why are we building this addition? The primary reasons for building this addition are to (1) have space to add 10,000 greatly needed new children’s books to the collection, (2) install a second elevator in the building so that the entire library is handicapped accessible and (3) add 16 new parking spaces. Additional computers, seating and other age appropriate improvements will be made throughout the library.
2. How large will the addition be? The modest expansion of the Children’s Room totals 3,545 square feet of new space on the first floor and 3,257 square feet of new space in the lower level, which includes non-patron areas.
3. What will the new addition cost? The addition will cost approximately 4 million dollars. Through the generosity of several members of the community we have secured pledges and a challenge grant totaling 2.5 million dollars. We need to raise an additional 1.5 million dollars in the next several months in order to break ground in the Spring of 2012.
4. How will the Library obtain the construction funding? One hundred percent of the funding required for the building will be donated by local residents and businesses.
5. Will the design of the addition be in keeping with the current building? The expansion is being designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, the same firm that designed the 1997 addition. The new addition will be in complete harmony with the entire building.
6. How long will the project take? We estimate that construction of the building will be completed in the late Spring of 2013.
7. What additional space was added to the Library in the previous renovation? In 1997, new space was added for adult services. Now additional space for children’s services is needed.
8. Will there be space for library programs? There will be comfortable space for book club meetings, literary programs, local history lectures, poetry readings, film screenings computer training and other library programs.
9. Will library services be disrupted during construction? Some services will be disrupted; however, great care will be taken to maintain as many as possible.
10. Does the Library have a mortgage? In 1997 the Library raised $3.1 million dollars donated by approximately 1,600 members of the community. As a result, the Library is debt free.
11. Who owns the library? The Library is owned and managed as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization founded in 1897.
12. What is the annual operating budget for the Library? In 2011, the operating budget was $1,810,931.
13. How is the operating budget of the Library funded? Approximately two-thirds is funded by the taxpayers of the East Hampton Library District. The remaining one-third is from private sources, including endowment income, interest from investments, East Hampton Library Society membership, Authors Night and our annual free Children’s Fair, which is underwritten by generous residents.
15. How does one become a Library member? Every resident in the East Hampton Library District, which includes East Hampton, Wainscott and Springs is automatically a member of the Library. According to the 2010 Census, there are 15,798 year-round residents in the Library District.
16. How are visiting non-residents served? All visitors are welcome to use the services of the library offered in the building, including reference assistance, programs and Internet access.