A RENDERING of the proposed new rear addition for the Lynnfield Public Library renovation project. (Tappé Architects Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — Cost estimates for the Lynnfield Public Library renovation project will be finalized later this fall, Tappé Architects Principal Charlie Hay said during a recent informational morning forum about the project.
The town hired Tappé Architects, which designed the $18 million elementary schools expansion project and is currently working on the $63.5 million public safety buildings and Town Hall project, to develop three different library renovation proposals for local officials to consider bringing to Fall Town Meeting. The Lynnfield Renovation Committee authorized Tappé Architects to develop a design for the third option.
“We really need it,” said Library Director Abby Porter.
Hay said Tappé Architects developed a “master plan” for the library renovation project in the spring.
“We are still in a preliminary phase, but we are moving quickly towards preparing a cost estimate that will be taken to Fall Town Meeting,” said Hay. “Should the project get funded, there will be multiple opportunities to get feedback about design features. With that being said, there are not a lot of options here. We are doing our best to give you more space and improve the facility overall. We have done a deep dive into the building’s systems and infrastructure.”
The upcoming Fall Town Meeting vote on the library renovation project will occur a year after voters rejected the new library project. The Board of Library Trustees submitted a citizens’ petition that sought a second vote on the revised new library project during a Special Town Meeting that was scheduled to take place last March. The Finance Committee killed that project after voting last February not to allow the debt exclusion article to be placed on the warrant.
Tappé Architects Principal Jeff Hoover gave an overview of the design for the library renovation project.
“It has been kind of a challenging project because we want to preserve and maintain the library’s character with trying to create a library that is useful to citizens in this community for the rest of the 21st century,” said Hoover.
The library renovation project includes constructing an addition at the back of the building where the HVAC units are currently located. Hoover said the new addition will allow patrons to enter the library from the back parking lot.
Hoover said the Children’s Room will be expanded as part of the renovation project.
“It really opens up floor space for children’s activities,” said Hoover.
A woman asked why a restroom has been incorporated into the Children’s Room area.
Porter said library officials’ “main concern” was making sure kids and families will be able to wash their hands if a painting program or a clay program is held in the Children’s Room.
“We will be able to funnel everyone right into the restroom to wash their hands,” said Porter.
Board of Library Trustees Chair Joe Gallagher asked if patrons could enter the Children’s Room from an existing door.
Hoover said the door will continue being used for emergency exits.
“We open that door when we have programs but from knowing my toddler, I want that door locked,” added Porter.
Hoover said the large reading room located in front of the library will be reconfigured in order to increase the library’s collections. He said more seats will be added as well.
“We are trying to finesse the arrangements and make it convenient,” said Hoover. “Everything will be slightly reconfigured from what it is now. We are massaging it to improve the space’s flow.”
In response to a question from Lynnfield resident Sally Hamblen, Hoover said the Genealogy Room will have a little bit more square footage.
Hoover said the ramp located in front of the library will be expanded in order to make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The elevator will be relocated to the new addition.
“Everything will be ADA accessible,” said Hoover.
Hoover said razing the library’s roof will allow the second floor to be expanded. He said the second floor will include an all-purpose room.
“It could be used for lectures, conferences and large groups getting together,” said Hoover.
Hoover said the second floor will include a new teen room.
“That is going to work well because it is enclosed,” said Hoover. “That is good for keeping other areas of the library quiet.”
Hoover said the library renovation project will be incorporating three new group study rooms into the building along with storage spaces. He also said restrooms will be added in order to comply with the state plumbing code. He also said the project will address maintenance issues such as electrical problems and roof leaks. Hoover said the second floor will include different rooms for librarians including a break room.
Hamblen inquired if the project will result in fewer book collections being available for patrons.
Porter noted that book rentals are “just as popular as eBooks.”
In response to a question from Friends of Lynnfield Library President Jeana Tecci, Porter said nonfiction books will still be located on the second floor of the library.
Hoover said the library renovation project seeks to “maintain the essential character of the building while expanding it.”
A woman in the audience recalled that the library’s basement has had flooding issues in the past.
Hay said the basement will be waterproofed.
“We are carrying a pretty significant budget to do that work,” said Hay. “We have done other projects where flooding has been an issue, and we have some strategies to address it.”
Tecci recalled that residents drop off books for the Friends of Lynnfield Library’s used book sales at the library. She said asked if there will be a designated space to accommodate book drop-offs.
Porter said library officials will be able to find a location for book donations to be stored.
“We will figure it out,” said Porter.
Looking ahead, Hoover said Tappé Architects will soon be moving towards the “design development phase” for the library renovation project.
“That is where all of our engineers get much more involved,” said Hoover.
