Great Neck library trustees approved June 22 a referendum date of Nov. 15 for a public vote on the main library branch construction bond, with an alternate date of Nov. 22.
“We’ve never been this close to getting the vote to the public,” said library Board President Janet Eshaghoff. “We are very excited to finally hear what the community wants. We are happy to get the vote out.”
Construction would add 8,600 square feet to the main branch for what was estimated at least a year and a half ago to cost $22.5 million.
“I’m hearing that costs are down, but I don’t know,” said Eshaghoff.
She said trustees need an updated estimate from the construction manager and more details about the bond will be made public in the next several weeks. Although the total cost is large, she said the bond would only add an additional $100 per year in property taxes.
If approved, construction would make the library accessible to patrons with disabilities.
The project would expand the children’s room and make it a more kid friendly space. An adjoining multi-purpose room would be used for programming, in lieu of current basement level facilities.
Computers would be located in a dedicated space, away from the sometimes noisy children’s room, while the audio visual department (i.e. DVDs) would be in larger, more central location.
The audio-video department is one of the most heavily used sections of the library, but Eshaghoff said it is difficult to find anything because the DVDs are so tightly packed.
Also expanded would be the teen center.
Eshaghoff said trustees considered larger expansions, but went with the current plan in an effort to keep costs down.
Highlighting the need for upgrades was the main branch air conditioning, which broke last weekend.
“At this point, we can’t put anymore band aids on the mechanical system,” she said. “It’s an omen, that the air conditioning failed. It is going to be an expensive proposition to get air conditioning for the summer.”
She said it could cost $500,000 to replace and the money was not in the budget.
“Our contractor who came and looked at it basically told us that the parts are obsolete and cannot be repaired,” she said. “At this point we are exploring all options.
Library director Jane Marino is ordering fans for the branch, which also has windows that provide ventilation.
“We have money in reserve to make repairs, but a half a million dollars, we don’t have that,” Eshaghoff said. “We certainly will do whatever we can do address it.”
