Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Program Room 2B
Tom Bunger, Keith Huse, Bob Guindon, Laura Francisco, Paula Singer, and Antonia Matthew.
President John Walsh called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m.
Sara Laughlin briefly noted the 12 original goals of the renovation plan: 1) improve drive-up window; 2) replace carpet damaged by flood and general use; 3) redesign circulation area; 4) retain space for broad diverse collection; 5) improve under-utilized areas; 6) improve ability of staff to assist with public computer users; 7) separate quiet uses from noisy uses; 8) rearrange VITAL area; 9) improve way-finding; 10) improve sight lines and enhance areas in children’s department; and 12) make Friends Bookstore more visible and secure. Sara reported that the renovation plan had received much input from staff and that the plans had been presented to public at two sessions with positive feedback. Since the public sessions the plans have been on display in the library atrium as well as on the website.
Before moving on to the presentation, Randy Paul congratulated Sara Laughlin on her excellent presentation to the Monroe County Council and thanked the County Council for approval of the Capital Projects Fund.
Sara Laughlin introduced Kevin Huse and Bob Guindon of Woollen, Molzan and Partners, the architects for the project.
Kevin Huse discussed the proposed relocation of the drive-up window and described changes to the parking lot to accommodate the relocation. Changes include reversing the flow of traffic in the lot, reducing size of parking spots from 10 feet to 9 feet (adding two extra spots), and removing sidewalk along the side of building from Sixth Street sidewalk.
The board discussed the changes to the parking lot and the pros and cons of moving the drive-up window. Randy Paul was concerned with handicapped access noting that the current situation is not good and the renovation does not appear to make it any better. Steve Moberly was concerned with pedestrians cutting through the parking lot. Sara Laughlin will meet with Randy Paul to discuss options for handicapped access including contacting the City about making another sidewalk cut on the Kirkwood side.
Bob Guindon presented plans for the first and second floors. First floor renovation includes rearranging stacks, replacing carpeting, removing long circulation desk, creating a more thematic type entrance to the children’s area, creating space outside the program room, and improving sight lines. A new entrance to the Friends Bookstore will be created from the atrium area increasing visibility and security. The aisles between the stacks will be changed from 6-ft. on center to 5-ft. on center but more space will be provided at the end of the aisles. The movies and music section will be rearranged.
Second floor renovation includes relocating the circulation department, reconfiguring and relocating the reference desk, relocating and reconfiguring public computer stations, condensing stacks to allow for more seating areas, increasing size of VITAL tutor rooms but decreasing the number, reclaiming Indiana Room for staff use, and creating silent reading room in old microfilm area.
The board discussed the plans including height of self-check out stations, accessibility to circulation desks, traffic flow in that area, height of large-print bookshelves, etc.
Phasing of the project was discussed. Phase 1 would be replacement of the carpet on first floor. Phase 2 would include circulation department changes, relocation of drive-up window, and compression of stacks. Phase 3 would include additional carpeting and movies/music changes. Phase 4 would be the meeting room updates. Phase 2 is the largest and most expensive phase. It is hoped to complete Phase 1 before the end of the year.
Sara Laughlin stated that she would request board approval of the functional design plan at the regular board meeting. The next step would be detailed designs leading to requests for bids. Steve Moberly felt that cost estimates are mandatory before any vote. Since the parking lot/drive-up window appeared to be the biggest area of concern with further discussion required, Sara thought perhaps the first floor and second floor projects could be separated. Randy Paul noted that he would feel more comfortable in voting on just Phase 1 at this point.
Woollen Molzan will try to have cost estimates at the next board meeting. Sara will meet with Randy Paul to discuss accessibility issues.
Antonia Matthew asked for clarification on the periodicals section of the second floor. The periodicals will be relocated so as to be more visible with more appealing seating areas away from the public restrooms.
Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Contact
Us Monroe County Public Library, Monroe County, Indiana ° (812)349-3050
Updated:
August 4, 2009
° http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/board/200905wrk.html
