Firm Presents Glastonbury Library Renovation Plan

Peter Marteka
Contact ReporterNature's Path & Way To Go
Plans to renovate Glastonbury's library would cost between $2 million and $4 million, depending on what is inc

GLASTONBURY — An architectural firm gave a not very flattering review Monday of the Welles-Turner Memorial Library.

A grand staircase leading from the library's lower level to the upper level runs into the back of a huge reference bookcase.

A hulking circulation desk takes up much of the library's entryway. A room designed to draw teenagers is stuffy and totally uncool.

TLB Architecture of Chester presented a plan Monday that would create a "forward-looking library able to meet the changing landscape of library services." Michael P. Fortuna, a principal of the firm, told residents who gathered for the first of three May presentations.

He said that a library is "no longer just a repository for books." The library is much more about programs and technology, he said.

"You have areas that are just not working well," he said. "The key is if you create the space and make it flexible enough, the library will serve its purpose."

Depending on what is included, the plan would cost $2 million to $4 million.

Potential changes include removing the circulation desk and replacing it with a much smaller self-checkout kiosk and book sorter. The young adult room would be expanded into a 2,000-square-foot "maker space" with 3-D printers and computers that might attract teens to the library.

"Libraries are no longer the quiet spaces they used to be," Fortuna said. "This would be a place where kids can go to be creative. It's a dynamic, exciting space."

Fortuna said the library plan would include both active and quiet zones. A 500-square-foot addition could be placed next to the children's area for books, freeing up space for programs. An office for staff, with windows, could also be included. There could be outside seating areas and terraces.

Changes to the library's upper level would include removing the reference desk and books in favor of a large center island with work stations. Fortuna said a library serving Glastonbury's population should have seating for 195. It has seating for 124.

Other changes on the upper level include two larger study rooms to accommodate four or five people. The original portion of the library, built in the 1950s, would also be updated with fresh colors and furniture to "activate the space," Fortuna said.

"We need to stretch the footprint," Fortuna said. "What you give up is bookcases, but as a library you can only lose so many books ... The bottom line is there is too much visual clutter and not enough programmatic space. It's all about creating zones. The library will have a life of its own."

Fortuna estimated the cost at $2 million for the changes and updates to the building.

When the "maker space" and additions to the children's area and staff office is included, the cost jumps to $3.8 million to $4 million.

Another informational meeting will be held this coming Monday at 6:30 p.m. in the Friends Room. There will also be an informal drop-in session on Saturday from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

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