A P R E S E N T A T I O N F O R M I L F O R D ’ S

E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T A D V I S O R Y C O M M I T T E E

IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME:STRONG LIBRARIES = STRONG COMMUNITIES

WHY EDAC?

“Libraries often function as catalysts for economicdevelopment…because their reputation as safecommunity assets make them desirable neighbors. Buttheir programs also aid local economies by providingvaluable information to entrepreneurs, supportingeducation and early literacy, and helping job-seekers toimprove their skills and find employment.”

“ULC Report: Libraries are Sustainability Partners.” American Libraries. Jan/Feb 2011, Vol. 42 Issue ½, p.20.

WHY EDAC?

Library as community hub

Neutral space

One-stop information centers

Programs & services for all ages, 0-100

Forums to exchange ideas

Opportunities for learning, innovation

Introduction & access to new (and “old”) technologies

Bridging the “digital divide”

WHY EDAC?

Libraries boost local economies

“Anchor” for the downtown

Draw enormous foot traffic, all ages, all day long

11,000 visits/month

Nearly a quarter million checkouts

Economic engine: creates opportunities

Studies

Complements vs competes

WHY EDAC?

Libraries boost local economies

Helps create a more attractive market for businesses, residences

Long term tenancy = stability, safety, quality of life

Small business support

Access to print & cost-prohibitive online resources, technology

Education station for job seekers

Why we need a new library

64 years old3 levels

28 years old2 levels

28 years old1 level

Current facility: 14,000 sq.ft.

Extremely limited ability to meet the needs as expressed by community members

Insufficient space for Teen & Children’s programs and collections

No way to contain noise

No flexible space for new initiatives, growth

Inefficient work flow

Not enough parking, esp. handicapped

Building not compliant with ADA

Why we need a new library

Space. How cramped IS it? Average square footage of NH public libraries:

1.40 sq.ft/capita

Milford’s library = .89 sq.ft/capita

57% SMALLER than the state average

Why we need a new library

Design capacity: tipping point

The most heavily used town building outside schools

Last year: averaged 11,000+ visits per month

Nearly a quarter million checkouts

14,000 program attendees

Investing in the library =

Huge community impact

Why we need a new library

Project supported by: Two community surveys

Professional, in-depth space needs analysis

Focus groups – staff and community

Strategic planning process

Why we need a new library

Projected & planned for in: Current and past Town Master Plans

Past Library Long Range Plans

Current Library Strategic Plan

Town Capital Improvement Plans

EVERY YEAR SINCE 1995

Why we need a new library

Every year that passes, the cost increases.

Options carefully evaluated in terms of: What is the price tag?

What are the operational & maintenance costs going forward?

Are identified program & community needs met?

Are space & workflow efficiencies addressed?

SOLUTION

SOLUTION

Unanimous board vote.

Demolish entire current structure, rebuild a 2 story structure on existing footprint & add a 2 story structure of 8100 sq.ft.

Decision made *not* to renovate. Why? Added 9 months to construction time

Still left with operational/maintenance inefficiencies

Still left with overall layout problems which don’t meet needs

Chopped up floor plan does not work for 21st century libraries

SOLUTION

SOLUTION

Why is this the best choice? Rebuilding allows for LESS total square footage

Design stresses open, flexible spaces – allows for future change

Better, more efficient spatial layout

Easier, more efficient to staff/secure/maintain

Cheaper to heat/cool/vent

SOLUTION

SOLUTION

SOLUTION

Added green space

HIGHLIGHTS

Larger Children’s Dept w/ dedicated program space

Larger, contained Teen Dept

Large, flexible meeting room space to accommodate bigger programs and groups

Flexible floor plans to allow for future use/growth

HIGHLIGHTS

After-hours meeting room use

Several small group/quiet study rooms

Technology/business center

Vastly improved efficiencies

HIGHLIGHTS

Reminder: Average square footage of NH public libraries:

1.40 sq.ft/capita

Milford’s library = .89 sq.ft/capita (57% smaller)

Proposed project: 1.34 sq.ft per capita We’re not over-building

We’re building to meet the needs of today’s population

Parking Current parking lot = 38 spaces

Future parking lot = approximately 60 spaces

HIGHLIGHTS

Added green space

Added parking

COST

Cost to taxpayers: $4.9 million

Total project cost of $5.4 million

Cost offset by $500,000 Trustee contribution

Tax impact = .33/$1000

Impact for a home valued at $200k = $66/year

Average Milford home valued = $235,800 (2013)

Tax impact = $78/year

COST

BENEFITS

“Libraries “attract tremendous foot traffic, provide long-term tenancy and complement neighboring retail and cultural destinations.”

“Libraries generate increased business for local merchants” while not competing with them.

“Libraries at the heart of our communities.” Planning Commissioners Journal Summer 2009: 12-19.

BENEFITS

In the most heavily used town facility outside of the schools, the investment has a huge impact on residents, local economy.

Access to resources and new technologies for all.

Educational, informational and recreational programs and services…for all ages.

Wadleigh Memorial Library