Why Now?
Our city residents love libraries — citizens 11,000 strong have library cards and checked out over 346,605 items in 2008 from surrounding libraries. New technology and design innovations have redefined “library” not only as a source of knowledge, but also the “connection to a broader world”.
The new city plaza created by the library space will serve as a gathering area for residents. The library building will have a permanent, hillside presence situated on the City Hall–Senior Center campus. Its location will permit easy entry from the street and the City Hall parking lot, as well as underground parking. Sustainable building practices will reach for LEEDS Silver certification, while intelligent design and careful construction oversight will assure long-term energy and operational savings.
The timelessness of the building and the immediacy of the library world will be seamless, defining “library services” in many ways. Children and teens will delight in kid-friendly environments complete with computer access and meeting space for activities. Adults will look to the library as a destination for pleasure reading, research, computer access and social interaction.
Technology will be used throughout the library to provide an array of services to each patron and streamline library operating costs. Wi-Fi connectivity, power outlets, a computerized catalogue, roaming librarians, self-checkout machines and automated return systems are part of the plan.
Meeting space will help create the social connections needed in an ever-changing world. Private study rooms, larger spaces and a community room with kitchen facilities will be available, some after-hours. The meeting spaces will be equipped for FACTv production and broadcasting, and the Library will become the new home of the Fitchburg Historical Society and the Friends of the Fitchburg Library.
A public-private funding partnership testifies to broad support. The City of Fitchburg will provide $10 million for design and construction costs. An additional $4 million is being raised privately to develop and equip the library space within the building, including the opening day collection, furnishings and equipment costs unique to a start-up library. Thanks to the City’s excellent financial standing, bonding for the $10 million is able to take advantage of the federal “Build America” bond program. The remaining $4 million, from private grants and gifts, will ensure that the doors of our 21st Century library will open with pride in June, 2011.
Join us as we create a library that will stand for generations as a tribute to Fitchburg’s commitment to knowledge, learning and civic well-being. Together we can create a place for our city to connect.