Building a Better Library for Everyone

While the ramp from the parking lot to the main doors of the Library is technically ADA-compliant, the fact is that the length of the ramp and the distance to the front door make it impractical. It is an impediment for many who have limited mobility, as well as for parents with small children and strollers.

Yes, there has been discussion about how the library can better meet the community’s needs for a few years. The fact is that the ways in which communities use libraries, including here in New Paltz, has changed especially in the wake of the pandemic. Increasingly, libraries such as Elting Memorial Library are stepping up to provide more than, "just books." Thanks to a community feasibility study in 2023, community feedback are being incorporated into future plans. The plan is to have a presentation for the library community in early 2027.

The same architect, Paul Mays of Butler Rowland Mays Architects, continues to work with Elting. After taking a look at the feasibility study, the architect has revisited previous plans for the Library and made changes that reflect the community’s input.

The last expansion of the Library was completed in 2006 – twenty years ago! Since then, what individuals need from the Library has changed. Both use of the library building and borrowing of materials has increased significantly. This, along with a need for easier accessibility, has led to the current planning and a new capital campaign to be launched in 2027.

“Building a Better Library for Everyone” will be a phased, multi-year campaign. Over the next five to six years, you can expect to see improvements and changes to the Library as different phases of the project progress.

While there may be temporary disruptions as work is done in and around the Library, the goal throughout the project is to continue providing quality library services with as little interruption as possible.

Yes! Options including geothermal and solar are being explored. An engineering firm is working on cost comparisons in the short and long term. In addition, an exploratory well drill is planned for next month (in the parking lot) to gather more information about the feasibility and capacity of geothermal energy for the building.

While waiting for more information about energy options, and a few final components of the plan, there isn’t yet a firm number for the project cost. This information will be ready early in 2027.

The project will be funded through a combination of funding from the State Aid for Library Construction, other grants, and individual gifts. Depending on the energy plan for the building, Elting may also be eligible for federal rebates that could partially fund the project.

Construction will not increase property taxes. Elting, as an association library, cannot request or issue a bond to fund construction. Construction cannot be paid for with an increase in property taxes. The architect and Board of Trustees will present the community with a cost projection for any increase in annual operating expenses for the Library once construction is completed. It is expected that any increase will be modest.

Generous gifts to the library’s operating costs are appreciated. They help fill the gap between taxpayer funding and the cost of operating the Library.

This project will depend on gifts from individuals separate from operating support. Since this will be a phased project, there will likely be an opportunity for individuals to fulfill gifts over a period of several years.

You can add your name and email to our “Building a Better Library for Everyone” list to receive updates and invitations to future meetings. You’ll be invited to meetings about the project, which will begin early in 2027.