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Minutes of the October 24 Library Building Needs Committee
Members present: MaryPaul Yates, chair;~ Karen Klopfer, library consultant; Susan Gallant; Walter Ritter; and Lois Storch
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The meeting focused on the upcoming forum on November 8. Karen suggested that we use the time to hold a mock group discussion on the needs of the library building, looking at three specific areas: the outside of the building, the main floor, and the basement.
Discussions examined the obstacles, possibilities, and issues for each point raised.
Outside of the building
- poor exterior lighting, which makes it difficult to navigate the pathway to the library entrance in the evening
- lack of parking
- handicap accessibility, specifically the location of the handicap entrance, and the size of the main entrance, which is too narrow to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers
- main entrance door should open outward, but currently opens inward
- the location of the exterior signage needs to be repositioned and made larger to make it easier to read
- bike rack
- additional outdoor seating for those accessing Wi-Fi when library is closed
Main floor
- additional electrical outlets for laptops
- better~ lighting to view titles on shelves and by chairs and on the table in the Knox Gallery
- dumb waiter, for getting books from the basement to the first floor
- main-floor bathroom facilities
- additional computer
- dumb terminal for viewing holdings at Monterey Library and throughout C/W MARS
- improved staff areas
- ergonomic work areas
- additional long table and chairs in the Knox Gallery
Basement
- repair of flooding problems and better moisture control, important since books for the book sale are stored in the basement
- resolution of moisture issues could provide much needed useable space, possibly for director’s and staff office space
- overhaul of bathroom facilities
The forum will begin with an introduction from Karen, then the participants will be divided into small groups, each led by a committee member, to discuss issues regarding the three areas. During the small-group discussions, the group leaders will record the points raised on large poster board. Then the group will come together in its entirety to review each group’s major points.
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