Hopkinton Public Library - Hopkinton, Massachusetts

Library Expansion Project Documents


This page includes information on the process of the expansion project, Permanent Building Committee, minutes from all public meetings, Library Building Program and Long Range Plan of the Library.
A unique opportunity to leverage up to 50% of a library construction grant opportunity was announced in 2010. An application for a Library Construction Grant was submitted to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners on Januray 27, 2011. In July 2011, MBLC awarded the town of Hopkinton $4.5 million as a Library Construction Grant. Read the award summary Read the grant application Permanent Building Committee (PBC) The Board of Selectmen established the Permanent Building Committee in July 2010 to oversea the application process of a library construction grant. The Permanent Building Committee members include John Ferrari (Chair), Michael Dawley (Secretary), Michael DiMascio, Miguel Linera and Robert Scumaci. The Committee met every other Thursday of each month starting on Sept. 9th. 2010 at the fire station. Representing the Library: Three temporary members representing the library were also appointed by the Selectmen. Three temporary members include Laura Barry, Marie Eldridge and Scott Richardson who work with the Permanent Building Committee for the duration of the project. Library Director, Rownak Hussain worked with both groups. Feasibility Study A feasibility study on four site options was conducted in Aug. 2010. Feasibility Study: Part 1 and Part 2 Cost Estimates The PBC worked with the architects, Library Director, Project Manager, Library Building Committee and interested residents over six months in reviewing and analyzing the feasibility study sites and ultimately decided to renovate and expand the current library to the adjacent lot on 9 Church Street. Permanent Building Committee Meeting Minutes - 2010 July -7/15, 7/20 August - 8/3, 8/12, & 8/31 September - 9/9 & 9/23 October - 10/7 & 10/21 November - 11/4 & 11/18 December - 12/2 On April 11, 2011 the abutters submitted a letter to the Selectmen concerning the library project. Click here to read the letter.. The Permanent Building Committee and the Library Buliding committee responded to their letter on April 26, 2011. Click here for the response...		The Library Building Program The Board of Trustees hired Marjorie Judd, a library building consultant, in 2008 to develop the library building program. Ms. Judd worked with the Library Director, staff and the Trustees to gather information on the history of the library, analyze the existing building and how it functions in meeting the needs of the community. She also engaged community members in gathering their feedback on what they expected the future library to provide. This program will meet library service needs of Hopkinton residents over next 20 years. A community wide survey was conducted in 2008 as a part of the needs assessment. 465 adults and 678 middle school students responded to the survey. To read the summary results click here... Read the complete survey results click here.... Read the Complete Building Program: 1. Introduction, History & Background 2. Executive Summary 3. Space Needs Assessment 4. Special Concerns 5. Units of Measure Long Range Plan Developing a Long Range Plan (LRP) for the library was as essential part of the Library Building Program. The LRP contains the mission statement, library service goals and outlining specifics tasks associated in meeting service goals. Long Range Plan 2009-2013 Preliminary design There has been a great deal of thought, planning and discussions about what the library should look like, how it should function for patrons and staff, and how it should fit in its downtown location. See the results of this effort! Exterior Library Rendering 1st Floor,2nd Floor & Basement and the Site Plan Basic HPL Statistics - 2010 Total Number of: Items circulated (all materials) 116,014 People visiting the library 63, 500 Library card holders 7,630 Reference questions asked 2,165 Computer/Internet sessions 3,831 Museum passes borrowed 1,019 Town-By-Town Size & Cost Comparison Square Footage by population Library Expenditure
HISTORY The Hopkinton Public Library was established in 1890. The current building was built in 1895 with contributions from local and former residents of Hopkinton. Population was about 3,000 residents. The second floor was used as a lecture hall and was remodeled later as a Children’s room. In 1955, the town government began appropriating public funds for employee salaries, utilities and assistance with the purchase of books. In 1967, the library expanded with the purchase of the Episcopal Church. A gallery was built to connect the library building to the Church. At nearly 5,000 square feet, our library is one of the smallest libraries in the state. Hopkinton currently has over 15,000 residents. REASONS TO EXPAND Due to an increase in population, the current building lacks adequate space to provide basic public library services The children’s room is not accessible with strollers and wheelchairs Library collection is limited due to the lack of space There is insufficient space to hold library programs Lack of meeting rooms for library and the community No quiet study area Inadequate parking Antiquated building with inadequate infarstructure for current techonogy WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO EXPANDING THE LIBRARY? A community gathering place--for all residents—that fosters life-long learning Expanded space for technology resources, including computer workstations and Wi-Fi access Children’s room with space to include larger play area and separate story time/ program room Increased space for books, magazines, and multi-media items such as audio books, DVDs and music CDs Meeting rooms for library and community use. Young Adult room with computers, reading area & possibly gaming and music- listening area Historical room for local history & genealogy collection and research/reading area Fully handicapped accessibility Improved parking Financial Impact to Town Our beloved Library was established on 1867, incorporated in 1890 and built in 1895 exclusively with contributions from local or former Hopkinton residents. Renovated and expanded in 1967 the Library became a landmark for Hopkinton located in Downtown and across the Town Hall. Starting in 1955 Hopkinton Town Government started appropriating funds for employee salaries, utilities, cleaning costs and assistance with book purchasing. For the first 60 years of the Library’s existence all operating costs were raised exclusively by bequests or through fundraising by former or current Hopkinton residents. The Library Board of Trustees has been using their private funds to maintain the library building since it was built and expanded in 1967. For the last 55 years the Library has been operating with the help of 4 different funding sources, Town appropriations, Library Revolving Fund, the McGovern Trust Fund and Friends of the Library. At present, the Town of Hopkinton appropriates .57% of its annual budget for the Library operation while across the state this figure is on average 1.35%. The Town’s appropriation covers approximately 85% of the Annual Library budget; the McGovern Fund provides 10%, the Library Revolving Fund covers 4% and Friends of the Library about 1%. Due to its small size, our beloved Library is limited in what it can provide currently and into the future with limited opportunities for expansion or building flexibility. Since 2007, the Library has been working with the town government towards an addition-renovation of the Library and towards applying for a Massachusetts Board or Library Commissioners (MBLC) grant. The opportunity to apply and win an MBLC Library Grant provides the Town, for the first time ever, with reimbursable of 50% of eligible costs towards a new or renovated Library. Library as a Community Place The Hopkinton Public Library is an integral part of the network of town supported service organizations. It proudly and efficiently serves more than 200 on a given day! It’s a common (physical) place and space (via remote access) for people of all ages. Children of Hopkinton come to the Library to enjoy, learn and interact, developing their learning and social skills and they continue to use the library as students and adults. Residents come to the Library to have access to (print and electronic) books, DVDs, CDs, audio books, magazines & newspapers, electronic resources and discounted museum passes Residents come to the Library to use computers or wireless access to do research, write resumes, create presentations, explore technology or simply check their e-mails and use Face book. Residents come to the Library to socialize, and to share and enjoy events and programs that engage the minds and hearts of the people of our community! The Library is a destination for all and we call it the "living room” of Hopkinton! What is a 21st Century Public Library? A 21st century public library, as in the past, is continuously evolving to meet the ever changing needs of a community. Public Libraries continue to be on the cutting edge of technology while retaining the ‘welcome home’ atmosphere for its patrons. In this day of increasing technology, the public library’s role of providing a physical community gathering place, providing a warm atmosphere for social interaction becomes a priority along with providing access to a variety of print and electronic materials, training in the use of technology and educational and entertaining programs. Communities across the country are embracing public libraries as welcoming central places accessible to all. Libraries are being designed to provide useful, flexible spaces that can be configured (and re-configured) to serve a variety of users and their needs. Libraries are expected to: Experience the world of information in a variety of ways Read, reserach, or just relax with a variety of technologies, print and elecetronic resources Provide programs with a focus on the arts, culture, history, music and other areas of interest Invite residents to congregate, socialize and interact with other members of the community Learn, explore and utilize new technology to fulfill personal and educational needs Why are Libraries Necessary in the Digital Era? Libraries represent a town's commitment to freely accessible knowledge. It is a "living room" for all residents. Libraries provide: Information resources and programs free of charge Contents in numerous formats since not all materials are available electronically Access to computers and free Internet access Free instruction on digital media and new technologies A gathering place of life-long learning for all residents