What's Happening with the Expansion Project:

The Scranton Library Board of Trustees at its regular monthly May meeting voted to set as a target date Tuesday, November 4th, the national Election Day, as the date for a town-wide referendum on the Library Expansion Project. Although setting any referendum date is the prerogative of the Board of Selectmen, the Library Board wanted to be on record as favoring the date of the general election this fall.

The Board believes that this date serves both the Town’s taxpayers and the Library well. Almost certainly a greater number of citizens will participate in the general election rather than a separate referendum, thereby making this important decision as representative as possible. Further, the costs to the Town of a separate referendum would be avoided.

The Library Board is also pleased to note that the Selectmen’s Library Expansion Project Review Committee has been formed, its charge set, and members selected. This Committee is expected to play an important role in the weeks ahead leading up to a referendum.

Key issues in the Library proposal are the need for an expansion, the cost, and what will be contained in a new and better Library. Regarding the need, the Library is expected to explain how its popularity and dramatically increased use has limited popular programs and led to overcrowding; how changing library roles that emphasize people and programs now require more space than traditional book storage; and how operating inefficiencies, ADA, and safety code issues need to be addressed whether or not the Library is expanded.

The total cost of the project (including contingencies, fees, and real estate) is expected to be funded 25% by private donations and grants to the Library and 75% by Town bonding of about $13.3 million.

The new library will include greatly expanded areas for children, quiet reading and study, computers, and dedicated areas for library programs and community meetings. The building is being designed to be environmentally green - LEED certification is targeted. It is also designed with a number of operating efficiencies such as self-checkout that will free staff to assist our citizens.