Frequently Asked Questions About the Proposed Library Expansion

     With the Nov. 5 referendum approaching quickly, YES for a Better Library has released the following answers to questions that have been asked about the project.
     For more information, visit YesForTolland.com.

Why is it needed?

     The current library and its program room are significantly undersized for a town with our population. With a capacity of only 40 people, the library’s program room cannot accommodate our most popular programs. Programs for children and adults cannot be held at the same time, and there are no quiet spaces for group study or collaboration.  Space constraints limit the effective use of computers and the library’s wireless capability and affect the ability to expand the library's book and multimedia collections.

How does our library compare to those in other towns?

     At 13,348 square feet for a population of 15,052, Tolland’s library is smaller than libraries in similar towns. Ellington’s library, for example, is 28,000 square feet for a nearly identical population.

How would the town benefit from the expanded library?

     The project is a modest expansion into currently unused space – the old Hicks gym – which would add 43 percent to the library’s size. The seating capacity of the program room would double from 40 to 80 people.  A separate children's program room would be added.  Quiet spaces are planned for collaboration by students, community groups and small businesses.  Increased space for technology would mean more comfortable public access to digital information. Additional space would be available for expanding the library's collections of books, CDs and DVDs.  

But aren’t libraries dying as people read more books electronically?

     Quite the contrary…libraries are evolving into digital learning centers where the staff helps patrons navigate the latest technology. Tolland’s librarians routinely help people conduct research and show them how to use databases such as Ancestry.com, JobNow and ConsumerReports.com.

How many people use the library?

     This year, there have been 77,231 visits to the library and 4,363 people have attended 224 programs. The library staff has answered 9,929 reference questions. All of these categories have increased this year.

Didn’t the library just get renovated last year?

     In 2011-2012, the library’s perennially leaky roof and skylight were replaced as part of the geothermal conversion of town hall. A new circulation desk was added with private donations. The project, however, did nothing to address the library’s capacity or capabilities. The proposed expansion builds on, but does not replace any of those recent improvements.

Will there be enough parking if the library expands?

     Yes. There are 95 parking spaces behind the library – more than enough for its most popular programs. If needed, overflow parking is available along Route 195, and in lots at the Congregational Church and Tolland Intermediate School.

Will there be more staff members needed?

     No. The library director has estimated that the expanded space will only require five more hours a week of a library clerk’s time at an annual cost of $4,716.

Hasn’t this project already been approved?

     No. In June, the town council voted to hold a referendum on the project on Nov. 5. Voters must vote yes on that date for the project to become a reality.

How will this affect my taxes?

     The $2.6 million project is not expected to require an increase in the town’s debt, according to Town Manager Steven R. Werbner. That is because other projects will be paid for when this project is built, in 2014-15. The timing is also fortuitous in that interest rates and construction contract bids are now low.

Are there grants to help cover the cost?

     Yes. Town employees are applying for a $400,000 ADA Small Cities Grant to cover the cost of the elevator, which is included in the project and will make town hall fully accessible for disabled residents and visitors. They are also seeking a $500,000 STEAP grant and as much as $1 million in state public library construction grants. If the project is approved, it may also qualify for an additional grant from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. The town, however, will not know the status of the grant applications until after the Nov. 5 referendum.

What happens if the town doesn’t get the grants?

     The town is optimistic that it will receive the grants, but if it does not, the town manager has said the project is still affordable. He has said that enough other projects are being completed before 2014-15 that the library project will not require an increase in the town’s debt burden. To see a breakdown of bonding costs if the town receives the grants and if it doesn't, visit YesForTolland.com.