Question on Library Project Featured on the Nov. 5 Ballot

A question on the proposed library expansion project will be prominently featured on Tolland's ballot for the Nov. 5 municipal election. 

It reads:
 
"Shall the Town of Tolland Appropriate $2,600,000 for the library expansion project and authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds and notes in the same amount to finance said appropriation?" 

Voting is scheduled for 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hicks Municipal Center and the Tolland Senior Center. 

Here is the official town-issued overview of the library project:

Goals

• The project would increase the size of the library by expanding into the Hicks gymnasium and adding a second floor. 

• The project would make use of space that is currently unused. 

• The project would enable to the town hall complex to become fully ADA
compliant. 

• The library measures 13,348 square feet for a town with a population of 15,052. Comparatively, Ellington's library is 28,000 square feet for 15,602 residents. 

Project Description

• The proposed expansion would increase the size by 42 percent over all departments and the technology area. 

• The existing program room, which seats 40, will grow to a capacity of 80. 

• The expansion would add dedicated children's program space. 

• The expansion would add small group study rooms, a permanent used book sale area and a reading area for adults that can be used for small group programs.

• The expansion project would, "build on but does not replace any of the recent improvements to the library roof and HVAC system."

Finances

• The impact of the $2.6 million project cost is offset by debt obligations for other projects coming off the books. 

• Interest rates and construction costs are relatively low. 

• Town staffers are applying for several grants, including a $500,000 STEAP grant, a $400,000 ADA Small Cities Grant and a $1 million State Library grant. Additional funds could be awarded from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.