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Princeton library supporters ask commissioners to approve 1,700‑square‑foot space, say they have raised most funds
Summary
Members of the Princeton Area Library Supporters (PALS) urged the Board of Commissioners to approve a larger library footprint — 1,700 square feet instead of the proposed 1,200–1,250 — and said they have privately raised more than 90% of the estimated $442,000 cost without seeking a tax increase.
Members of the Princeton Area Library Supporters (PALS) told the Princeton Board of Commissioners during public comment that the town should approve a 1,700‑square‑foot library space rather than the roughly 1,200‑1,250 square feet that has been discussed.
Joy Woodard, a PALS member, said the group's measurements and ADA planning show 1,250 square feet would not accommodate required bathrooms, a staff-accessible changing table and circulation and programming space. “We really need 1700 square feet, not 1200, 1250,” Woodard said.
Hope Dougherty, a PALS volunteer, told the board the group has privately raised “over 90%” of the funds needed for the larger footprint and plans additional fundraisers and pledged contributions to finish the campaign. Dougherty cited “Mayor Johnson’s $260 per square feet” estimate for construction and said that at that rate 1,700 square feet would cost about $442,000. “We are able to pay for our side of this new building,” she said, adding the group does not seek a tax increase.
PALS presented a floor plan at the Nov. meeting and returned with a second copy to walk commissioners through details: a double‑door public entrance, a centrally located computer center so staff can supervise use, a children’s area, adult reading stacks and a shared middle section with restrooms and kitchen plumbing to serve both the community building and the library side.
Speakers and commissioners asked about timing and fundraising. Dougherty said the group is confident it can finish fundraising this year. There was no formal action by the board recorded on the library request during the meeting.
The library request was raised during the public comment portion of the meeting rather than as an agenda item; no ordinance, agreement or funding allocation was voted on at that time.
The PALS presentation and fund‑raising claim will likely be considered by staff and the board in future agenda work; no follow‑up motion or deadline was recorded at this meeting.
