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Library unveils plans for outdoor community center; fundraising and planning board review planned
Summary
The Kingston Public Library has received architectural plans for an outdoor community center, plans to pursue multiple grants and private donations, and will seek planning board approval for an expanded permeable parking area; the library also announced programming and a 300th cemetery anniversary exhibit.
The library director told the Select Board the library has plans in hand for a new outdoor community center and will begin a year-long fundraising push that includes multiple grant applications and solicitations of private donations.
"The architect is now putting together 3D pictures to show what it's gonna look like," said Melissa (last name not specified), Library Director, Kingston Public Library. She said two grant applications will be submitted this week, three more next month and additional applications monthly thereafter. The library foundation and the architect are working on renderings the library plans to publish to solicit donations and community interest. The library trustees are considering selling personalized bricks as a donor recognition program.
The project will go through the town—s planning board process because it includes an expanded parking area. Melissa said the plan calls for a permeable parking lot to manage runoff; the town planner and town engineer reviewed the preliminary design and raised permeable-surface runoff concerns that the architect and engineer will address.
Programming and related work: Melissa said the library will continue its regular programming, including an older-adult seminar on avoiding online fraud, a new teen book club for people with special needs, a quarterly music program sponsored by Library Friends, and an estate-planning seminar planned for March. The library is also organizing events tied to the 300th anniversary of a local cemetery on May 30 with multiple exhibits and an exhibit already on display at the library.
Why it matters: The project would add community event space and parking, but it will require planning-board approval and fundraising. The library emphasized coordination with other departments, including highway and planning, to ensure utilities, lighting and drainage are handled in the design.
No formal vote was taken on the project at the meeting; Melissa asked the board for general acknowledgment and said she will bring renderings and fundraising updates as they become available.
Provenance (transcript excerpts): "Good morning, everybody. So big news. I have plans in hand for the library's outdoor community center. It's going to be a big year of fundraising." (transcript segment beginning at 914.62 seconds)
"We are gonna go through the planning board process, mainly for an extended parking lot... It's gonna be a permeable parking lot, so that should help with the runoff." (transcript segment beginning at 999.13 seconds)
Ending: The library will move forward with grant applications and donor outreach while the architect completes renderings for public review; the project will require planning-board review and coordination with town engineers on runoff, lighting and parking.
