Palmyra Kings Daughters
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- Fact Sheet -
Frequently Asked Questions about the Palmyra Library’s MoveLibrary Renovation Update - 402 E. Main St.
As most of you know, the Palmyra Library has purchased the former Garlock office building at 402 E. Main St. in order to gain the space necessary to provide the Palmyra community with the library services recommended by the long-range plan advisory committee. Architects from Bero Architecture have completed preliminary plans for the building that include drawings of the proposed renovations and a detailed list of probable construction costs. This architectural planning phase was funded by a matching grant from the Bullis Fund. The library board of trustees is pleased with the preliminary plans but the estimated renovation costs were higher than anticipated. As a result, the board has decided that the most fiscally responsible way to proceed is to move into the first floor only, with the goal of expanding to the second and third floors when further funding is obtained. The architects are now back at the drawing board to develop a plan for the ground floor that will be the first stage of a library that truly meets the needs of the people of Palmyra. We look forward to presenting the plans to the community as soon as they are finalized.
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The Palmyra Library will be moving
to the former Garlock office building at 402 East Main Street in the Village of
Palmyra. (Click here to see a
picture.) We look forward to offering library services to the Palmyra
community in this spacious historical building. Here are some questions and
answers about the move. For more information, please contact the library
Director, Patricia Baynes at (315) 597-5276, or
pbaynes@pls-net.org.
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Why is the Palmyra Library moving?
The library has outgrown the present building. The Cuyler Street location is not large enough for the materials, programs, and computers necessary to meet the needs of the Palmyra community. For each new book purchased, an older book is removed to make room on the shelves. During children’s story hours and after-school activities, it’s difficult to find a quiet place to read or study. Patrons often must wait for the library’s four Internet computers. Lack of a meeting room means that the library must be closed during the monthly Book Review Luncheons, and children’s summer reading activities must be held off-site.
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Why not add on to the present building?
A 2006 architect’s study commissioned by the library determined that renovation of the second floor and/or building an addition would not be feasible because not enough space would be gained - and the cost would be prohibitive.
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How was the decision made to move the Palmyra Library?
In 2006, a library Long-Range Plan Advisory Committee of 16 members from a cross-section of the community met to envision the role of the library in Palmyra’s future. This group recommended that the Palmyra Library provide the technology and resources necessary for people to learn and grow and that the library be a place for people to gather and interact. A long-range plan was then developed that included goals and activities to address the need for more library space. After studying the input of the community advisory committee and carefully reviewing the architect’s report on the current facility, the library's Board of Trustees concluded that it was time to look for another building.
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Why 402 E. Main Street?
The former Garlock office building is an historical Palmyra structure that meets the requirements the trustees were seeking in a new library facility. The 12,000 sq. ft. building is structurally sound with an open layout. Located in the heart of the village, it has ample parking and was available at an extremely low price per square foot. (See picture.)
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What will happen to the present library building?
The present building will be sold and the proceeds will be used towards renovating the new facility.
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How did the Palmyra Library pay for the new building?
No taxpayer dollars were used. The library has applied for a New York State Library Construction Grant to pay for half the purchase price ($75,500); the other half ($75,500) was paid from the library’s endowment fund.
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How much will it cost to renovate the new building?
The Palmyra Library trustees are currently in the process of selecting an architect to develop a plan for renovating the building in stages, starting with the ground floor and basement. When the design is finalized, costs will be estimated and the project will go out to bid. We will know the actual cost of the project when the bid process is completed.
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How will the Palmyra Library pay for the renovation?
The library trustees have put aside a portion of the endowment fund and the proceeds from the sale of the present building to help pay for renovation costs. In addition, the library will seek State Aid for Library Construction grant money, a New York State legislative member item grant, and grants from area foundations. We are also counting on the generosity of Palmyra residents, businesses, and organizations when the library launches its renovation fund drive in 2008.
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When will the Palmyra Library move to 402 E. Main Street?
We look forward to welcoming you to your spacious new library in 2009. We’ll keep you posted on our progress.
