Quick Facts About the Somers Library Expansion

Library History: The current library building was constructed in 1981. It was expanded in 1993 to double its size to fulfill the growing population for the next ten years. By 2003, the library had reached capacity.

Town Growth: The community has grown from 13,133 people (1980) to over 18,000 (2000 census). Our projected population will increase to more than 22,000 people by 2025.

Library Usage: There has been continuous increase over the years.  881 programs took place in 2006, meaning an increase of more than 50%.  More than 195,000 books and magazines were circulated in 2006. At least 4,500 patrons used our collection of four Internet-capable computers, while wireless access had been extensively used by others.  Our growing DVD collection is still trying to keep up with an exponential demand by our patrons. 

Space Limitations: There is a critical lack of space in the library.  The children's area is far too small and needs to be self-contained to reduce the noise level.  Four Internet-capable computer terminals do not satisfy our community’s needs and our teen section has sacrificed space in order to accommodate these computers.  Librarians’ office and project space is severely restricted, which can hinder productivity.  Some bookshelves may create narrow aisles that are not handicapped-friendly nor adequate for librarians’ duties. 

Trustees' Survey:  In 2004, the library board conducted a survey.  The top requests from residents were: more children's programming and materials and more quiet space for study.

Planning for the Future: The library board spent over two years discussing plans with town officials and architectural and engineering firms.  After careful consideration, the conclusion was not to renovate the building, but expand the library to provide the town and its taxpayers with a building that will be cost-efficient and fulfill their needs for the next 20 years.  If approved, the expansion will be financed as a capital project by the Town of Somers.

Town Survey: In 2006, a survey conducted by the Somers Town Board indicated that nearly 70% of respondents were in favor of an expansion, while 88% considered the library as one of the town’s most important services. 

How the expansion will meet community needs:
The proposed addition will increase the size of the library from 14,847 to 21,845 square feet and will be adequate to serve the community until 2025.  It is designed to match the existing structure and will not interfere with the surrounding park activities.  The addition of a staircase lit by a huge skylight will open up the lower level, making it into a very pleasing and usable area.  The expansion will provide the community with:

• A new “child friendly” and “child safe” story hour/program room
• An expanded and dedicated teen area
• 51% more collection space
• A larger media area to accommodate growth for audio books and DVDs
• More space to accommodate double the number of public access computers
• More quiet study areas for groups and individuals
• 39% more seating
• 85% more patron work space
• A larger reference/help desk area for patron information needs
• Improved indoor air quality, energy efficiency, temperature/humidity controls
• One additional meeting/program room
• Additional space to store patron reserve materials
• Handicapped accessible bathrooms
• A new “family” bathroom in the children’s area
• A new display area for the local history collection
• An architecturally green environment
  

Financial Information:  The project will be funded with a tax-free municipial bond, which will be repaid over a 20 year period at a prevailing interest rate at the time of the bond note (estimated @ 4.25%).

This means it will cost the average $60,000-assessed household in our community $8.30 per month, in order to support the project budget which is $9.5 million.

Special Referendum Vote:  A SPECIAL REFERENDUM VOTE FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE SOMERS LIBRARY in the amount of $9.5 million will be held in the Library program room on Tuesday, April 8th from 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM.  Only registered voters may vote.  If you are not a registered voter and wish to participate, you must register with the Board of Elections on or before March 8, 2008. Registration forms can be obtained from the Somers Town Clerk's office at the Town House, at the Library or online at: www.elections.state.ny.us.  Absentee ballot applications are also available from the Town Clerk's Office ONLY and must be postmarked no later than April 1, 2008 OR in person application and voting up to 5 PM the day before the election. If you have questions, please call: (914) 277-3323.

We hope the preceding information will help you make an informed decision about the proposed library expansion.  Please support us in any way that you can – vocally, financially and with some patience during construction – so we can all enjoy our library of the future.  For more information, please call Pat Miller, Library Director, at (914) 232-5717.

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