The 1933 Guilford Free Library with new entrance on the right
Blending three existing buildings into one seamless whole is never easy. When the construction site is in the Historic District, hemmed in by close-by neighbors, including a daycare center, and with very little maneuvering space for trucks, the project is even more challenging. Nevertheless, Guilford Free Library’s recent addition/renovation project has proved to be rewarding beyond our expectations.
Library service began in Guilford in the 1880s, but it wasn’t until 1933 that the town proudly erected a new library building at 67 Park Street on the Green. At 5,000 square feet, serving a population of 3,000, the stately brick building with its arched windows was just the right size. But with the completion of I-95 in the late 1960s, the town had experienced enormous growth. The library was bursting at the seams, and plans for a new addition, designed to accommodate the organization for 20 years, were begun.
The renovated, two-story red brick building enjoys an abundance of natural light, expansive as well as intimate interior spaces, large bay windows, a grand staircase, a beautifully appointed courtyard, and murals depicting scenes from the town. Set in grounds originally planned by Frederick Law Olmsted, the library is located in the town center, contributing to the vitality of the area by drawing both residents and visitors downtown.
In 1977, a 15,000 square foot addition was completed, bringing the total size of the library to 20,000 square feet. The addition was also faced with bricks, and featured large expanses of windows and generous use of natural wood inside.
By 1997, the library had again outgrown its space as population continued to grow and library use increased. A Long Range Planning Committee, and later a Library Expansion Committee, began to plan for another addition. In 2002, the Board of Selectmen appointed a Library Building Committee, which has guided the project ever since.
The committee hired the architectural firm of Tuthill & Wells to draw up plans to double the size of the library. The library applied for, and was awarded, a $500,000 Connecticut State Library Construction Grant. A Steering Committee was formed, charged with the goal of raising $1.1 million from private fundraising initiatives. The $11 million project went to referendum in April 2005—and was defeated.
The Building Committee and architects scaled down the plan to an addition of 14,000 square feet, but it still included an expanded children’s room and areas for the adult collection, a 150-seat meeting room, dedicated teen space, new lighting and HVAC systems, a reconfigured parking lot with a drive-up book drop, and complete renovation of the existing building.
Total project cost was reduced to $8 million, with a bond allowance of $6.9 million. Actual cost to the taxpayers after the state grant of $500,000 would be $6.4 million. The $1.1 million private funding commitment would still be honored, to be used for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Voters approved the revised plan in September 2006.
Enfield Builders Inc., with a bid of $5,243,000, was awarded the construction contract. On June 1, 2007, Enfield took over the property at 67 Park Street, and the library moved to temporary warehouse quarters near I-95. This large space allowed the library to be fully functional there until August 1, 2008. Ninety percent of the collection was available, as were public computers and a full array of programs for children and adults.
Groundbreaking took place on August 8, 2007. Much of the early construction work consisted of selective demolition. There were numerous surprises, particularly underground. It seemed every time we dug a hole we uncovered another old septic tank— or, in one case, an old safe. By October the structural steel framing for the addition was up, and the concrete floors poured. Work continued through the winter, and by May 2008 the exterior was nearly finished and the interior nearing completion. The addition blends with the style of the 1977 building, with brick exterior, lots of natural light from two-story windows, and interior wood trim.
The library closed its temporary space to the public on August 1, 2008 and we spent the rest of the month moving back to 67 Park Street, scrambling to unpack while dodging electricians, painters and plumbers who were still at work. The library opened to the public on September 5, to rave reviews. Saturday, September 6 was one of the busiest days ever—and the pace has continued since.
As you approach our new library from the Green, a brick patio with teak benches welcomes you before entering the gracious lobby with its soaring glass staircase and large circulation area. To your right is the beautiful new children’s room, complete with a colonial playhouse/puppet theater. Upstairs, you’ll find expanded space for the adult book collection, and a large print area with natural light and armchair seating. There’s a terrific teen zone next to the DVDs and CDs, which are displayed face-out. A self-serve coffee and snack bar offers bistro seating, or you may prefer the reading room, with its wing chairs, magazines, and daily newspapers.
The newest books for children, teens, and adults are displayed on bookstore-style racks, our catalog is accessible through public computers located throughout the building, and an additional 40 public computers are grouped in the adult, teen and children’s areas. A new business section offers scanning, faxing, and black-and-white and color copying. The meeting room has surround sound and assisted listening devices—and the Edith B. Nettleton Historical Room is now fully accessible via a new lift. Of course, the real thing is much better than these words can convey. Come check us out!
Stephanie Johnson is Assistant Director of the Guilford Free Library. Photos: Peggy Day
Reported by: Stephanie Johnson
Posted: 11.02.2008