The Essex Library circulation desk
The Essex Library Association, Inc. was established in 1889 when Dr. W.A. Russell donated 50 books from his personal library to a group of Essex residents who wanted to start a circulating library for themselves and their friends. Constant growth of the collection generated a search for a larger building and, in 1894, the association purchased land on South Main Street. In 1897, Captain Joseph Tucker willed three paintings of ships he had commanded to the association, and $5,000 to construct a new building. One year later, the library moved into its new “Queen Anne Cottage Style” building at 3 South Main Street. In 1924, the library opened its doors to the general public.
By 1967 the collection had outgrown its quarters, but not until 1976 was property purchased for a new building on the corner of West Avenue and Grove Street. A committee was established to raise money for construction, which began the following year, and the new 4,300 sq. ft. West Avenue library building was dedicated in 1979. The need for future expansion was already being discussed as early as 1987.
In 2003, after a two-year planning process, library board and staff acknowledged that the facility could not accommodate any growth in collections or services at the current location. The need for more space became imperative and a Capital Campaign Committee was formed that same year.
BestJoslin, Inc. was selected to design the project and to oversee construction administration. Gallagher, Schoenhardt and Best designed the original West Avenue facility, and the continuity of design professionals is apparent in the seamless integration of the 1979 building with new construction. Our renovated and expanded 9,500 sq. ft. library was dedicated in November 2006.
The new building offers a 65-seat program room that also serves as a gallery for art exhibits. The days of moving books, shelves and desks to make room for programs are finally behind us. The program room can be divided into two smaller rooms and has an area with laminate flooring for easy clean up following craft programs.
The children’s room features murals by Ted Esselstyn. His work is inspired by the view at the Foot of Main and our local tidal landscape; the art delights children with new discoveries each time they visit. His art also integrates our donor recognition opportunities; ‘named’ areas within the children’s room were memorialized with his whimsical murals.
Collection space for adult materials occupies the former children’s room, housing biographies, oversize books, multiplecopy book club collections, and young adult materials. Two study tables and eight lounge chairs make this a cozy, welcoming and functional space for visitors.
Three small study rooms appeal to tutors, literacy volunteers and students working on group projects. A 15-seat conference room is used daily for people needing to spread out, small group meetings and monthly board, committee and book discussion groups.
Wireless thin-client computer workstations have made public computing service easy; a server handles applications, clean up and virus protection for eight public workstations and three OPAC stations. Four adult workstations are integrated into a large computer desk. Users may also borrow a laptop for inhouse use or bring their own to use with our WIFI connection. There are four workstations in the children’s room and one children’s OPAC.
The building utilizes geo-thermal heat pump technology for heating and cooling by cycling liquid through eight tubes that extend 500’ into the earth. This efficient and economical green system reduces the library’s dependence on heating oil and electricity and eliminates the need for six large (and noisy) exterior air conditioning units. The library is cooler with this system than it ever was with traditional air conditioning in the old building.
Staff members now have individual desks and workspace and even a bit of storage, and scheduling is much easier since we don’t have to share desks and computers. We plan more projects and programs now that staff members can get together informally throughout the day. Ideas flow more easily in our new workspace, enabling us to be more creative and efficient in our day-to-day work—an unexpected and welcome benefit.
Library users are thrilled with our welcoming new physical facility. It’s people who make the library a truly hospitable and special place, something we won’t forget in our beautiful new home.
Reported by: Bridget Quinn-Carey, The Essex Library Director
Posted: 12.03.2007