- What is the cost of updating and renovating the library?
We have been quoted a total cost of $ 6 million. This includes the construction and all the interior finishings
- How much has been raised so far?
We have received $5.3 million from private donors
3. How many square feet will the addition add to the library?
The existing building is 4,485 square feet; the new addition is 4,901 square feet making the total square footage 9,387 feet (existing and new.)
4. Why not just build a new library which might be more cost effective?
The library is an historic building that was built by Joseph Hilliard in 1895 as a gift to the town to house books. A new addition creating a children’s room and more space for books was added 50 years ago.
5. Why does the library need an elevator?
The library is not ADA compliant. We have many people of all ages and abilities that cannot access all 3 floors of the building or the small restrooms.
6. Why can’t the library use the Grange or the elementary school for their activities?
The school’s multi-purpose room is used daily after school for their own programs. Also, other groups use the gym for recreational activities.
The Grange acoustics are not suitable for our programming. We also do not want kids walking across a busy street from the library.
7. Will the library be closed during construction?
The plan is to use the Grange building across the street while the addition is being built and the existing space is re-fitted.
8. Will the addition require higher maintenance costs like heat, electricity and staffing?
There may not be a need for more staffing unless a high increase in usage requires it. The interior plans are designed so one staff member can see both entrances as well as activity in the building.
We realize that many Kensington residents are concerned about additional operating costs. We are currently working with professionals to ascertain how much a year that would be.
9. Why the need for an addition?
The expansion will provide meeting spaces for students, remote workers, small groups, and a larger room for our children’s programming and materials. The library also houses all the Kensington Historical Society’s artifacts and town records. We are hoping to create a welcoming space for those in town and out of town who want to access these important papers.