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April 14, 2009

Library looks to a new chapter

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

BY KAMANA SHRESTHA
NorthJersey.com
STAFF WRITER
WEST MILFORD — Getting stimulus money to triple the library's size would be ideal.

But West Milford Public Library trustees say they could arrange financing of their own for the expansion without costing taxpayers an extra cent. And they predict they'll be able to put plans before the public later this year and then move to invite construction bids.

With all the talk in Washington of projects stimulated by federal dollars, local officials hope some of that cash might be directed to the library expansion.

But the New Jersey State Library, which would be a funneling point for such aid, says currently there is no stimulus money earmarked for the project.

And that's left library trustees planning to put a chunk of savings as a down payment on the estimated $4 million project and then pay off a loan with future revenues.

Planned is an expansion that would include inside space for community activities, a bigger book collection and the space to display it, and more computers.

"One of the big issues the staff faces on a daily basis is the inability to shelve books, because there is no room on the shelves," said Library Director Debra Maynard. "It makes for a challenging work environment to say the least."

The 6,500-square-foot library along Union Valley Road has only five computers, and books are rotated because the entire inventory cannot be shelved at the same time. It does not support programs on a regular basis throughout the year because of a lack of space. To compensate, it holds some programs — such as the children's story time — outside in tents.

"If West Milford residents are looking for free lectures or music and craft programs, they can find those programs at other nearby libraries or pay for those programs through other town services, not at their hometown library," said Maynard.

Mayor Bettina Bieri adds that "The intent of the new library is to service residents of all age groups and enhance what we can provide for the youth and seniors."

Councilman Joseph Smolinski, who has had past reservations about library costs to taxpayers, says "I am all for the new library if that's what they want.

"But I don't know what the township wants because the last time the question of the library came up, they rejected the 1998 referendum."

In 1998, voters rejected a ballot question to spend $4 million on a new library. Library Board President Doug Ott said that happened because voters were not given details on what the new library would offer or where it would be. But he is optimistic the township will favor the new plan, given up-to-date information.

The library, now funded by $1.3 million in taxes under a state-mandated tax formula, currently has $2 million in savings that it can allocate to the project. Bieri is confident another referendum — asking taxpayers for more money — will not be needed because all the additional revenue would come from taking out a loan and then paying that off through a surplus of $200,000 to $300,000 the library manages to save annually.

The facility was built in 1977 for a population of 17,000. A library to serve the current population of about 26,000 should have more than 16,000 square feet in size, according to the State Library.

No official site has been designated, but the library board has narrowed potential sites to two: the current library location or the Hillcrest property. Plans aren't advanced enough to know how much the final cost will be, but officials estimate it at $4 million.

Ott said the library is now researching architectural options, including staying in and renovating the current structure to limit costs.

"The board is confident it will have a bid package ready by September after public meetings are held to get input from residents," he said.

Bieri added that "We can spend the same $1 and have an old library or spend $1 and have a bigger, better library with a cultural center, entertainment center, new computers, expanded books and audio. We would be getting something better for the same price."

Maynard said that "the library has done an excellent job satisfying the needs of the town by providing excellent service, but that service cannot hide the fact that all of the library materials that should be here are not because there is simply not enough space."

E-mail: shrestha@northjersey.com

Posted by tumulty at April 14, 2009 2:44 PM

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