Robin A. Glasser,
Director of Libraries
September, 1996
COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION
Norfolk was settled in 1678 and incorporated in 1870. Originally, the town was part of the towns of Wrentham, Franklin, Medway, and Walpole, and was known as North Wrentham. In 1870 the residents petitioned the state legislature to become a separate town, and the petition was approved on February 23, 1870. The new town of Norfolk was composed of 1,124 inhabitants and 9,000 acres of land.
Today, Norfolk is a residential community that continues to experience rapid growth, but retains characteristics of a small New England town. The town encompasses 15 square miles with terrain that is mostly level running to hills that are not much more than 200 feet above sea level. Areas of timber and brush land still exist, though the once numerous farms have given way to housing developments. Norfolk is located 20 miles southwest of Boston and 22 miles north of Providence, RI and is bounded by Foxboro, Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Walpole, and Wrentham.
The town has experienced a 265% increase in population during the past 35 years. In 1960, the population was 3,471. By 1990 it had risen to 9,270, and today (1996) it tops 10,000. The population in the year 2,000 is projected to be 11,228. The median age is 32.9 years.
Norfolk is a civic minded town that boasts a very active volunteer corps. Service organizations include: Garden Club, NOVA (Norfolk Organization for Various Activities), Norfolk Together, American Legion, Grange, Lion's Club, Welcome Wagon, Friends of the Library, Teacher-Parent Association, and Friends of the Council on Aging. The three churches (Baptist, Roman Catholic and Federated) also contribute to the vitality of the town. The Norfolk Recreation Commission is likewise, very active. Besides organized sports, they sponsor a variety of pre-school, youth, and adult programs, including aerobics, arts and crafts, swimming lessons, and special seasonal programs.
Though Norfolk has no major shopping centers, there are large grocery stores within five miles and several malls within ten to fifteen miles. The town is served by MBTA Commuter Rail Service to and from Boston and has access to Routes 1, 1A, 109, 128, and 495. Within town there are banks, a pharmacy, small grocery stores and miscellaneous small businesses. In addition, Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Norfolk. Managed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Stony Brook is comprised of 300 acres of woodlands, ponds, fields and marshes, and offers a variety of educational and leisure programs.
Since there are no major employers in the town, most residents commute to work. Of the 4,000+ residents who are in the work-force, 55% work within Norfolk County, 43% work out-side the county, and the remaining 2% travel out-of-state to work. Most commuters travel to the Boston and the Route 128 belt-way communities for employment. The mean travel time to work is 31 minutes. Over 60% are managers, professionals, technicians, etc. The current rate of unemployment is 4.6%, due in large part to the closing and/or down-sizing of such companies as Digital and IBM.
As expected, with a work-force that includes such a high percentage of managers, technicians and professionals, the education level is correspondingly high. Less than 12% of the adult population has not received a high school diploma. Of the 88% who completed high school, 65% attended college, 43% received associate or bachelor's degrees, and 12% attained post-graduate or professional degrees.
The Norfolk Public School System consists of the Freeman-Centennial School, which houses grades three through six, and the recently constructed H. Olive Day School which houses grades preschool through two. Enrollment in the combined elementary schools exceeds 1,100 students and is expected to increase annually for many years to come. Norfolk participates in a regional junior high school (King Philip, North) and regional high school (King Philip High) with the neighboring towns of Wrentham and Plainville. Students may also elect to attend Tri-County Vocational-Technical High School that is located nearby in Franklin. Norfolk has nearly 1,000 secondary students. Approximately 11% of the school-age population attend private elementary and secondary schools. The town is also served by two private preschools
and children age four and under number nearly 500.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
Economically, Norfolk appears to be typical of many Massachusetts small towns. General fund revenues for FY'96 total $12,528,012.00 and are expected to increase to $13,200,317.00 for FY'97. Heavy burden is placed upon the home owner for generating town revenues. The town is composed predominantly of single family homes---there are no condominiums or large apartment buildings. In 1995, the assessed value of 2,631 dwellings was $519,208,100.
Revenues that fund the town's operating budgets are dervied from tax levy -- 72%; cherry sheet -- 14%; local receipts -- 10%; and SBAB reimbursement -- 3%. There are no major industries or manufacturers in Norfolk to contribute to the tax base. A handful of small businesses, including a community hospital, several banks and a radio station provide an insignificant amount of revenue. Three units of the Massachusetts Correctional Institution, MCI-Norfolk, Old Colony, and Pondville are located in the town and house 2,500 inmates. Norfolk receives prison mitigation revenue from the state, but this money can be used only for specific pruposes and is generally reserved for capital expenditures in the area of public safety.
The town's continuing population increase has strained the already overcrowded public buildings. In response to increased enrollment, the Town voted to build a new elementary school in 1992 ending a three-year controversy over the issues of need, siting, and cost. Demands for increased community services continued to surface. In response, Norfolk undertook a master plan which gives the town a sense of direction in which to move over the next ten years. The plan gives special attention to the town center, where a failed commercial development has left a raw excavation in an area that is adjacent to the public library. Recently, construction of a new "connector" road was undertaken to relieve traffic flow in the center of town and to access land near the library for a proposed town hall/ police
station complex. Other issues include building a senior drop-in center, developing additional playing fields and a recreation complex; and undertaking an 8-classroom addition to the H. Olive Day School.
The library has always been an integral part of the town and actively used by the community. It is no surprise that library service, along with other community services is impacted by the continuing growth of the town. If the library is to expand before the turn of the century, it is essential to undertake the planning and design phase within the next fiscal year. As outlined above, the town is facing increased operating costs, and several capital projects. For these reasons it is imperative that the early stages of the library expansion project should be "self-funded". Psychologically, this will demonstrate to the voters that the Trustees are acting in a responsible manner and are considerate of the financial impact to the taxpayers.
LIBRARY HISTORY & DESCRIPTION
The Norfolk Public Library was founded in 1880. A gift of 100 volumes was given by a private citizen's group known as the Norfolk Library Association and by the loan of additional books from the Norfolk Farmer's Club. For 12 years the library was housed on the first floor of the old Town Hall. It was only open from 7:00 to 9:00 on Saturday nights to coincide with the Norfolk Brass Band rehearsal, which was held in the same room.
There arose the question of where to house the growing book collection. In 1898 the library was moved to the tower room on the second floor of the Center School. It stayed there until 1919 when the town appropriated $350.00 to rent and furnish a room in the old Baptist Church. There it remained until the Grange bought the building and requested that the library be moved. In 1951 the oldest portion of the present building was prepared for occupancy.
Records show that the present main library meeting room was built in 1845 to serve as the North School on the south corner of Cleveland and Fruit Streets. From that time until 1870, Norfolk was a part of Wrentham and the North School was one of 18 schools in the larger town. Shortly after 1900 a hook and ladder company was organized in Norfolk and housing was needed for their equipment. It was decided to use the North School building which was taken down, piece by piece, and re-erected in its present location. Large doors were installed so that horses could easily be harnessed to the equipment and moved quickly into Main Street. Thus it was used until 1926 when a new fire house was built farther down Main Street.
For a number of years the building was used for band rehearsals and social gatherings, and in 1951 it again became an educational institution as the Norfolk Public Library. In 1962, an additional 600 square feet was added to the original structure. In 1985, the newest addition was completed, bringing total available space to 8,800 square feet. Today, the library, which is the only non-commercial building in the town center, remains attractive and inviting, even though crowded for space.
Norfolk Public Library has recently affiliated with the ABLE (Automated Bristol Library Exchange) Network. The library joined ABLE in 1990 and began loading its holdings into the database at a furious pace. By December 1991 the circulation component was in use, and in July 1992 the Public Access Catalogs were made available to patrons. During the past three years the library has added 4 CD-ROM workstations for public use and has also made available 2 wordprocessors. Most recently, Internet access has been extended to the public via Netscape software.
In 1992, the Public Library entered into an agreement with the Norfolk School Committee to provide library services in the Norfolk School System. The link between the public library and school system will optimize the use of both materials and staff to benefit the youth of Norfolk. Both the public and school library are under the same administration and have a shared staff. During the 1993 - 1994 school year the elementary schools became satellite members of the ABLE network. This enables easy exchange and access between the public and school libraries.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Norfolk Public Library is a small library serving a suburban community in eastern Massachusetts. The library's primary role is the provision of formal education support services to the student population. A secondary role is to provide popular materials to children of all ages, adults, and retirees.
It is the mission of the Norfolk Public Library to serve the educational, informational and recreational needs of the community. In the field of educational services, the Norfolk Library should play a significant role in delivering library and media services in the public schools as well as services to young children, students, adults, and retired persons in the public library. As an informational resource, the library and its staff seek to enhance access to large amounts of materials through active links with other libraries, the regional library system, and the use of electronic information storage and retrieval, as well as development of Norfolk Library's own permanent circulating and reference collections. In recreational library services, it is recognized that a significant part of the library's very
high per capita circulation is in the area of recreational materials and the library seeks to continue to make available recreational library materials in all relevant media.
In order to meet the needs of these groups, collection development focuses on recent popular adult fiction and non-fiction, juvenile fiction and selected (curriculum related) non-fiction materials for school age children and young adults. The audio, video, and compact disc collections will continue to be developed. Special collections may be developed as appropriate to local and regional need and as resources permit.
BUILDING FACILITIES
The last renovation/addition of this facility was completed in 1985. The trustees recognized that the addition was sufficient for the size of the collection and community at that time and that it allowed for little growth. With 8,800 square feet of space, the building has well served the needs of the community for the past eleven years. The building program provided a children's room, adult stack and browsing area, reference room, conference or small group meeting room, and a community room. The project also included a basement to provide storage space and a mezzanine to provide a staff work area.
The condition of the library is generally attractive and pleasing. Over the years the Trustees have remained committed to the upkeep of the facility. The library is pleasantly landscaped and the local garden club adds a special touch by cultivating seasonal flower beds. Prisoners from MCI-Norfolk recently painted the exterior of the building; and a section of roof was repaired.
The interior of the library is equally well maintained. The building is clean and neat and minor repairs are resolved in a timely fashion. The library staff makes the appearance of the interior of the building a priority. The staff strives to generate an inviting atmosphere by creating a variety of displays, in addition to the the art work that is frequently exhibited.
In addition to regular maintenance, in 1994 the Town voted a $42,000 warrant article for the library to undertake a minor renovation program to bring the Jeanne D. Hill meeting room into compliance with ADA accessibility requirements; to remove an underground oil tank; and to replace an aging boiler. The following year the Town voted an additional $18,000 to replace the worn carpeting throughout the entire building.
As an interim step to address staff overcrowding in the mezzanine area, periodical storage was moved to the basement, new shelving was installed, and the staff lunch area was moved from the general workroom to the former periodical storage area. To complete the project, a local business donated partitions in order to create separate work areas for the technical services librarian, children's librarian and clerks.
The library enjoys a healthy materials budget in proportion to the town's size and the collection has expanded much more rapidly than was anticipated a decade ago. Patrons have come to expect a wide variety of current materials and our relatively high per capita circulation is a clear indication that the collection is well used.
Two years ago an aggressive weeding program was implemented in order to make room for new acquisitions. Books are currently being discarded for no other reason than lack of shelf space. Seasonal books are stored in the basement and are brought out only at the appropriate time of year. Older books on tape are also stored in the basement. Patrons can no longer browse for these materials; they have access only through the PAC terminals.
Despite all efforts to keep up appearances and to maximize use of the existing space, no real gain has been made in increasing useable space. Within the existing facility the library has no place to expand. Book shelving, video and audio carousels have been added over the years to accommodate expanding collections. However, we are now at the point where increasing shelving units would violate ADA requirements. In point of fact, seating was recently removed in order to accommodate additional paperback units.
LIMITATIONS OF SERVICE
The current facility limits the delivery of library service in many ways. The limitations are due primarily to the lack of space. Other limitations are a function of the layout of the current building.
An addition/renovation program would address these deficiencies. The overcrowded facility impacts most on serious researchers or those in need to a very quiet atmosphere in order to study, senior citizens, and literacy volunteers/students. Children's services are also impacted by the facility as are young adult services.
Reference/Research Users:
Due to the open layout of the existing building the library is a noisy facility Juvenile services are located at the far end of the library and children must walk through the entire adult section to get to their area. This causes much distraction for adults who are using the PAC terminals or who are browsing for books. Once children have made their selections, they must return to the centrally located circulation desk to check out their materials, retracing their steps through the adult area. This often entails children either climbing or sliding down the rail of the handicapped ramp that leads from the main part of the library to the children's area and meeting room. They then dance around the wooden columns that support the main part of the building, causing a high-pitched squeak that can be heard
throughout the library. (Staff reminders to either the children and/or supervising parents seem to be of no avail. In point of fact, parents resent staff members speaking to their children at all and complain that staff are abrupt with their children.
The Circulation Desk is a natural point of congregation for patrons. The noise of normal library transactions coupled with children squeaking around the columns, and neighbors chatting with each other gives rise to a distracting noise level that can be heard throughout the entire adult section and into the reference room. The reference room, which houses both adult and juvenile material, is located near the circulation desk and the noise and chatter from the circulation area radiates throughout the reference room. Additionally, due to the open nature of the library, staff noise from the mezzanine also radiates to the reference room below. To add to the distraction, the adult periodicals are located in the reference room as well as the typewriter, personal computers and CD-ROM workstations. Casual magazine
browsers are mixed in with computer users who may be nosily printing a document; all the while people in serious need of quiet are trying to study within this chaotic environment. Patrons have expressed their need for an area where quiet is enforced and others have inquired about the availability of small tutorial rooms. Neither of these suggestions is an option within the confines of our existing building.
Senior Citizens:
Many of the town's senior citizens find the library difficult to use. Though the library meets ADA requirements, seniors tell us the large numbers of children are overwhelming and disconcerting. Seniors know the library has children's programs three mornings and early afternoons per week and they avoid using the library during those times. They also know that later in the afternoon, we are busy with school age children. Another problem the seniors have indicated with the library is that except for the chairs in the reference room, they find the lounge seating too difficult to get into and out of. As a result of the building layout, many senior citizens avoid using the library.
Literacy Volunteers/Adult Learners:
In response to a recognized need in Norfolk, the library established a satellite Adult Literacy Program four years ago. We have a volunteer coordinator who works with staff members at the public library in Norwood to provide training for our literacy volunteers. Our coordinator tests potential adult learners and pairs them with trained volunteers. Unfortunately, the Norfolk Public Library has no tutorial or small conference rooms. As a result, testing must be performed either in the Director's office or time must be reserved in the Jeanne D. Hill Meeting Room. Since this is one of the few public meeting spaces in town that can accommodate 30 to 40 people, it is in high demand and is rarely available. Tutors and their students also have a difficult time finding a location to conduct their lessons. Despite
the noise and lack of privacy, several pairs use a table in the Reference Room. Others are too embarrassed to receive their tutoring in such a public place so the library is unable to accommodate their needs.
Students:
We are proud to have a very active preschool program (for toddlers through kindergardeners) with seven sessions of story hours offered per week. Our picture book bins are overflowing with a fine collection of picture books and story hour sessions are held in the adjacent Jeanne D. Hill Meeting Room. While not a very child friendly room, it does serve as adequate space in which to hold programs.
Our student population, however receives less than outstanding library service, due mostly to the limitations of the crowded children's area. The children's area is divided into two adjacent areas; one containing materials for preschoolers, the other containing juvenile fiction and non-fiction in addition to young adult materials. This area is so crowded that three years ago juvenile reference materials were removed and placed in the reference room and integrated with the adult reference collection. The juvenile fiction shelves are inadequate and have limited the amount of materials we purchase for this age group. Juvenile non-fiction is likewise crowded and shelving is higher than is desirable for this age group. There is no room for a desk for the children's librarian in this area, she has a cubicle on
the mezzanine level along side the technical services staff. This arrangement is not satisfactory as it does not give her the opportunity to supervise the children's area, nor provide impromptu service to children and their parents. Often times the public is unaware that she is present in the building and children don't necessarily ask for assistance at the circulation desk.
Young Adults:
Young Adult services, except for curriculum related research, are essentially non existent in the Norfolk Library. Young Adults don't have an area in the library that they can call their own. In fact, until last year there wasn't even separate shelving for young adult books. Traditionally, what few YA titles the library owns were interfiled with juvenile fiction. As a result, teenagers rarely use the library for recreational reading. Last summer we removed a desk from the juvenile area and purchased two shelving units. We separated the YA titles and have noticed a slight increase in circulation. This barely serves as a stop-gap measure as teenagers are loath to frequent the children's room. Young Adult non-fiction titles are still integrated with adult non-fiction, so teens have to go to yet another section
of the library for their factual information. There is absolutely no space within the existing building to create a more inviting young adult area. Until this problem is addressed, young adults will remain an under served population.
All Patrons - Parking:
Inadequate parking impacts all library users and will be further discussed in the "needs assessment of physical facilities" section of this proposal. However, it must be pointed out that staff members have observed patrons drive into the parking area, look for a space and leave because all spaces were filled. Additionally, patrons have voiced their displeasure with the lack of available parking.
POPULATIONS THAT WILL BE ABLE TO UTILIZE THE EXPANDED/ RENOVATED FACILITY:
It is envisioned that a renovation/addition would ensure that all populations in Norfolk could access quality library services. Our building program will pay special attention to those populations who currently receive limited service as described earlier in this document It will also address the continuing needs of those populations (primarily users of popular materials, who comprise a large part of our patron base) who are perceived as being adequately served.
The building program will address the needs of noisy versus quiet activities so that children's programs and activities can be carried out without disturbing the serious researcher or literacy volunteers. Adequate space will provide for a full range of children's activities and programs. An attractive and thoughtfully placed area for young adults will be an integral part of the library in order to meet their recreational as well as informational and research needs. By virtue of the fact that children's services will be placed away from the quieter adult area, senior citizens should feel welcome and comfortable in the new building. Special care will be taken to ensure all handicapped requirements are met and appropriate furnishings will be purchased.
For researchers and literacy tutors/students, the expanded facility will provide a reference area that is far from the noisy circulation desk and browsing areas. Quiet study/tutorial rooms are planned. This should provide for those people who either need a very quiet atmosphere in which to study or for tutors and their students who need the privacy of a separate small room in which to work.
SERVICES & PROGRAMS THAT WILL BE OFFERED:
In the newly expanded/renovated facility it is envisioned that the library will build on its existing programs to offer enhanced levels of service. The most relevant outcome of the building program will be the fact that the library will have room to house its collection of print and audio-visual media in order to meet the needs of the community for the next twenty years. The collection will continue to be geared towards meeting our established goals of popular materials center. Additionally, an expanded collection will enable the library staff to assist patrons in their need for educational support and independent learning.
Of particular importance, as outlined in our Long Range Plan, is the program of service to children. The new facility will allow us to offer a full range of programs to students after school hours. Among those targeted are story hour for primary grade children, a book discussion group for advanced readers and an inter-generational "Reading Buddies" program. For upper elementary and middle school students, the youth services librarian would like to implement a "Junior Friends of The Library" service club.
We will also continue to build on our highly used Homework Center. An LSCA grant in 1995 provided us with a CD-ROM workstation and a variety of electronic resources to launch our program. It has been well received in the community and we would like to expand the resources and hours it is staffed. We also intend to expand the Homework Center to include additional resources that meet the high school curriculum and to actively recruit high school students to use the Homework Center. At the current time it is mainly used by upper-elementary and middle school students.
An expanded facility will allow the library to increase access to electronic media. As more and more print reference works are replaced by electronic versions, this is an area of critical need. Additional workstations will be purchased to meet a variety of informational needs. One year ago we made a word processing workstation available to the public. Within that one year, we have seen usage increase to the point where a second workstation should be added. Our newest service, access to the Internet will undoubtedly show a similar increase. A top priority is hands on training for those wishing to learn more about personal computers in general, specific computer programs (i.e. word processing, database and spreadsheets) as well as the Internet. We currently spend considerable time coaching patrons one-on-one;
with increased numbers of workstations we would be able to hold small group training sessions.
We will be able to "grow" our literacy program again. Due to lack of space, the program has remained on hold for the past year. That is, tutors and students who were already matched up and working together continue to do so. However, no effort has been made to recruit new tutors, and consequently efforts to target adult learners have also been curtailed. The new facility will be able to accommodate the needs of this program. Meeting room space will be available to train tutors, a conference room will be available for the Literacy Coordinator to interview and test prospective adult learners, and finally, small tutorial rooms will be accessible for tutors and their students to hold lessons without disturbing other patrons using the reference room.
An expanded facility will allow for a range of adult interest programs. At the present time only a few sporadic programs are offered for adults in the community and none are offered specifically for senior citizens. This need is addressed in our long range plan, but remains unfulfilled. It is anticipated that the Friends of Library will work with the Associate Director to schedule monthly evening programs of interest to a variety of adults in the community and day-time programs for senior citizens. This will be coordinated through the Council of Aging Director, with whom we enjoy a cordial relationship.
In conclusion, an expanded/renovated facility will allow the library to broaden its depth and range of services. A solid foundation has been in place for a number of years and the residents of Norfolk have come to expect quality library services that meet their information needs.
IDENTIFICATION METHODS AND STANDARDS
The Library Director was hired in 1992 and it was immediately apparent upon physical inspection that the library was filled to capacity and allowed no room for growth. Also that year the ADA Compliance Committee evaluated the library for compliance to the new ADA requirements. The library only needed to make minor modifications in the main building but the restroom in the Jeanne D. Hill Meeting Room needed major renovation. This deficiency has since been corrected. However, as a result of this analysis library staff realized that it was impossible to add additional book stacks, audio-visual displayers, or computer workstations without compromising accessibility. The only ways in which to maintain a neat an orderly appearance were to: remove seats and replace with carousels; move some seasonal and less
frequently used materials to the basement; and to begin an aggressive weeding policy.
One of the first projects the new Director tackled was to undertake the Small Library Planning Process and complete a long range plan. As part of this process the facility was assessed using the Building Needs Analysis. This analysis projected a conservative twenty year growth. Using the Wisconsin Public Library System Standards (1974), the Norfolk Library currently exceeds the collection size recommended for our population while our seating capacity (exclusive of the meeting room) is some 24 seats less than recommended. The current space allotted to staff work space appears to be within acceptable parameters. However this figure is skewed due to the fact that there was no acceptable office space on the mezzanine level for the new Director's office, so the trustees re-allocated the small
conference room which is located on the main level adjacent to the reference room. The room is substantially larger than would normally be constructed for office space so it falsely gives the impression that overall staff work space is adequate.
In October, 1995 another twenty year projection was undertaken based on the population figure cited in this application. The charts from A Library Building Program Workbook by Patience Jackson were used and this will form the basis of our Library Planning Study. The projected collection growth is based on the average net additions for the past several years and that rate was extended out for twenty years. The CMR requirements for our population size were used as a guide for projected staff work space. The CMR requirements were also used as a starting point to calculate public seating and special-use space. Based on the high volume usage of the library and the trend toward ever increasing use of technology, these figures were increased somewhat. Part of the charge to the consultant that will be hired
shortly will be to verify and refine these projections as may be necessary.
SPACE NEEDS, CONDITIONS, & INADEQUACIES
The Norfolk Public Library grew from a size of 400 square feet in 1951 to 1,100 square feet in 1964 to its present size of 8,800 square feet in 1985. A variety of conditions exist that have prompted the library trustees and staff to begin the expansion process. This was recognized in our long range plan. Goals VIII and IX address building maintenance, improvements, and the need for expansion.
Despite the fact that the library has undergone two expansion programs over the past 30 years, the building flows together quite well, both aesthetically and functionally. We feel that another addition can be incorporated into the existing space and will address the needs outlined in the space needs analysis.
The most apparent need is that of space to house the collection. It is a constant nightmare for the pages to reshelve materials due to the over-crowding. Often many books (or audio-visual materials) must be shifted in order to reshelve the item at hand. Shelves are filled from top to bottom and from end to end. Despite an aggessive weeding program, books continue to overflow the shelf space. Books are not moved from the "new" section until there is absolutely no more space left there, because there is no space in the regular stacks to accommodate them either. The photographs in Section IV tell the story far better than words!
Another area of critical need is that of staff work space. The mezzanine level was built for technical services, periodical storage, and the Director's office. As the staff has expanded over the past 10 years the area devoted to technical services has erroded. Space for the Children's Librarian and Literacy Coordinator has been taken from technical services. There is no place for production of promotional materials, or repair of books. While acting as Interim Director, five years ago, the Associate Director moved into the Director's office. The newly hired director was bumped to the main level and took over the conference room.
Staff work space is also especially critical at the circulation desk. The area devoted to circulation is grossly undersized. At the time the 1985 addition was undertaken, it was never envisioned that more that one person would work behind the desk. Though a rise in circulation was anticipated, the sharp increase that resulted was not expected. Coupled with the 1990 automation project, space became critical. The design of the building does not include a circulation workroom so check-out, check-in, reserves, etc. are all handled within the same cramped area. The regional delivery bags are emptied, sorted and filled in this area as are the bags coming and going to our two schools that also participate in ABLE. The photographs in Section V show the crowded and sloppy look the area has.
The circulation counter was not constructed for computer terminals; electrical outlets are inadequate, there is no wire management system, hence cables are hanging from the desk in a tangled mess. The town building inspector indicated that this is undesirable and should be remedied. The fax machine, typewriter, and video tape rewinder have all been crowded onto the counter behind the desk. Minimal shelving is provided for reserve books, repairs, or to house our new, but growing circulating CD-ROM collection. Reference questions are also addressed at the circulation desk, so ready reference materials, along with the museum pass reservation book, personal computer and Internet reservation books are also located here.
Though we have no official reference librarian on staff yet (it's in our long-range plan) our two part-time children's librarians function as such in the afternoons and evenings when the Homework Center is in operation. Their regular work space is a cubicle on the mezzanine level. In order to give them visibility to the public, a secretarial desk was placed in the reference room last year. This is better than no desk; but in no way does it meet the current or future needs of the library. There is no space where files or ready reference materials can be kept. Due to the open nature of the room, reference questions cannot be asked or answered in privacy, and though a telephone is available at this desk, the conversations can be heard throughout the room.
Another deficiency of the building is the fact that there is no children's office and/or desk located near the children's room. This impacts on the service that children and their parents receive as the children's librarian does not have high visibility except for preschool programs. The children's area is basically self-service and parents (especially of older children) have complained that we don't have anyone to help their children with book selection or reader's advisory. The juvenile reference books, due to lack of space in the children's area, have been integrated into the adult reference collection, so children must look for materials in two places. The juvenile non-fiction collection is located at the complete opposite end of the building from the reference room.
Also due to lack of space in the children's room, there is no PAC terminal so children must line up with adults at the central PAC location, near the main entrance of the library. All four PAC's are located on top of the former card catalog, so the height for younger children in uncomfortable and they must often stand on a stool in order to reach the keyboard. This is also a problem for handicapped patrons. They must go down a ramp to the reference room and use the PAC terminal that is located on the reference librarian's desk. Additionally, the CD-ROM workstations that are appropriate for elementary age students are located in the reference room. The library currently has no computer programs appropriate for preschool or primary grade children, due solely to lack of space in the juvenile room.
In essence, the children's room serves as an unsupervised repository of books, with all other children's services being addressed in other areas of the library. This is less than ideal as it causes children to navigate through the entire library to receive services. It increases the traffic flow and noise level which is a distraction to everyone. It is anticipated that the building program will include a self-contained area for youth services that will house books, audio-visual materials, electronic media and program space, as well as a combined youth librarians office and service desk.
As mentioned in a previous section of this document, young adult services are all but non- existent. The library does meet their educational/research needs through the reference department and the Homework Center. However, their recreational reading needs are sorely ignored and statistics show that junior high and high school students no longer use the library for reading materials. It's no wonder, as there is only a scant one and a half book cases of young adult fiction. This lack of service is again, due to lack of space. The 1985 addition assumed that YA services would take place within the juvenile area, but in reality there was not enough space allocated and teens are loath to visit the children's room. In the expanded facility we envision an appealing and attractive transition area between the new
children's room and adult services where young adults can access a variety of popular books, magazines, videos, and CD's.
The facility lacks space for quiet individual study, small group study and/or tutorial space, and a conference/historical room. Due to the open layout of the existing design it is nearly impossible for patrons to find a truly quiet space in which to work. This causes frustration and frequent complaints. Some patrons who need quiet study space have learned to go elsewhere.
There is also a demonstrated need for a small conference/historical room. Small groups or committees from time to time request meeting room space. Often the Jeanne D. Hill Room has been previously reserved by another group. Conversely, a small group of people may have booked the meeting room, causing a larger group to be refused. This conflict would be remedied if the library had both a large group meeting room and a smaller conference room. A conference room would enable our literacy program to function more smoothly and would provide quiet study space that patrons could reserve ahead of time or use without reservations, if available.
It is also envisioned that this room would house our local history collection. A small fraction of our local history collection is available on two shelving units in the reference room. The remainder is stored in the attic. Additionally, the Norfolk Historical Commission has no location where documents can be stored. Their official "home" is the Tramp House, located adjacent to the library, but it has no heat or climate control and does not meet the local fire code, so they cannot use this building either for document storage or for meetings. Consequently, various members have taken materials to their homes. The library enjoys a good relationship with the Historical Commission and they would welcome a properly controlled room in which to house materials.
We would like to restore the Jeanne D. Hill Meeting Room to meet the deficiencies sited above. A new larger meeting room would be built as part of the proposed construction program. This room represents the original portion of the library and was built in 1845. With a little research and imagination it could become a handsome conference/historical room and offer a space for quiet study and research.
Another deficiency is the total lack of storage space. The 1985 renovation project included a basement under a portion of the building. This has served as a catch-all for 10 years, but has recently been cleaned out. Storage shelving has been added and the periodical backfile, seasonal books, and older talking books have been moved to this level, as has the shelf-list. The stairs are narrow and steep and staff must take care when retrieving materials.
Other storage within the library is borrowed from spaces that serve other functions. Janitorial supplies are stored on the mezzanine level along side and on top of the air handling unit. The town building inspector has advised us to remove these items, however in reality there is no place else to store them. General office and library supplies, along with the Friends file cabinet and a rack of filmstrips are stored in the staff lunch room. (Or maybe the staff eats lunch in the supply room? In any event, it's shared space and claustrophobic.) Story hour supplies are kept in a cabinet located in the meeting room, far away from the youth librarian's work space. Copier paper, spare terminals, and computer parts, are located in the partial attic and share space with another air handling unit. It takes a
mastermind to remember where various items are stored, and in fact valuable time is wasted looking.
Other deficiencies in the building include poor air quality and a significantly undersized air conditioning unit. In order to save as much money as possible, during the 1985 renovation project a new HVAC system was not installed. The existing boiler was used with additional zones added for the new space. This proved to be disastrous as for several years the boiler could be counted on to fail at least once a winter and replacement parts were becoming more and more difficult to find. This problem was resolved in 1994 at the same time the town voted a warrant article to make the meeting room handicapped accessible, to bring the restroom in the meeting room into compliance with ADA requirements, and to remove an underground oil storage tank and comply with current regulation.
The building's passive solar design works well; in fact, probably too well. It is an easy building to heat and our oil bills are surprisingly low. The down side of this is that from early spring throughout the summer and well into the fall, the building heats up incredibly fast. The mezzanine level becomes stiflingly hot even on the mildest of days. Three paddle fans were installed years ago that make it somewhat more bearable and they are in use year round.
The air conditioning system is inadequate for the building and our electric bills more than make up for the savings in oil! Two air conditioning units were installed in 1985 addition. The children's area (which was the 1964 addition) was left with an inadequate wall unit, as was the meeting room. The central air system was not extended to either of these areas. We were informed by a reputable HVAC technician that the two units added in 1985 are undersized for the square footage they serve and that we are on borrowed time. Two years ago repairs were made to one of the units. Though the Trustees have been proactive in keeping the building in the best condition possible, the scope of work needed to address the air conditioning and accompanying vent work is a major undertaking and would be incorporated into the
proposed addition/ renovation project.
A final consideration for the building program is to address the need of adequate parking. The 1985 addition met the town's requirements and received Planning Board approval. Due to the intensive use of the building ... 7 preschool programs per week; a high volume circulation, and almost nightly meetings in the meeting room, parking soon proved to be inadequate. Patrons soon began parallel parking across from the library on North Street. This was hazardous and illegal as the town did not own the property. When a large group was meeting or when the library held a popular program, patrons resorted to parking across Main Street using a nearby shopping plaza's parking lot.
Last spring the town began construction of a connector road that has had major impact on our parking. For the duration of the construction project, the library has enjoyed an additional 20+ parking spaces as the construction company erroneously paved a strip of land parallel to North Street. Upon completion and acceptance of the new road, North Street (the library's main entrance and parking is on North Street, though the official address is Main Street) will be abandoned At the time of abandonment the abutting property owner will be entitled to half of North Street. Not only will we lose our new, though illegal 20+ parking spaces, we will lose access to our 8 parking spaces that are in front of the building. The only remaining parking will be a small lot to the side of the building that has eight spaces
plus two for handicapped parking. Six of those spaces are used by staff during daytime hours.
The Trustees have been working with the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board throughout the road construction to resolve the parking issue. Negotiations are currently underway to purchase a triangular shaped parcel of land on the opposite side of North Street. An article is anticipated to be placed on the warrant of town meeting in November, 1996. This will satisfy our current parking needs as well as provide for the increased parking that our addition project will require. This parcel of land will also provide green space and ensure that an addition to the library will meet setback requirements.
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