By PATRICK ADRIAN
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ASCUTNEY, Vt. — The children’s library addition under construction at Weathersfield Proctor Library will expand space and educational programs, according to its director.
Construction began in December for the $130,000 library addition, which will add about 480 square feet of space, including a lower level in the basement for an office and area to process books.
Director Mark Richardson said that the downstairs space will free up room to host larger events and community gatherings in the upper level. The librarian’s desk will be moved into the current children’s section, as will the library’s historical and genealogy collections.
Event space is critical for 21st century libraries, said library committee fundraiser LoraineShand.
Today’s libraries have evolved beyond the traditional perception of buildings with books into educational and cultural centers for the community.
The Weathersfield library, for example, hosts discussions provided by the Vermont Humanities Council, youth activities like creative writing and maker space, and early child programs like story hour.
“This facility affects lifelong learning,” said Shand.
On March 10, the library is scheduled to present its seventh annual Town Trivia Challenge to raise additional funds for the children’s section.
The event will be held at the Weathersfield School in Ascutney at 7 p.m.
Proceeds from the trivia night will pay for additional furnishings or books.
Shand said the goal is to raise $2,000. Instead of charging an entry fee, funds come through sponsorships of the trivia teams by local businesses and citizens. The event usually draws nine or 10 teams, according to Shand.
Richardson said like the trivia challenge helps the community feel ownership of its library.
Funding for the addition’s construction, estimated at $130,000, is already secured, according to Shand.
The library has been raising funds and donations since 2011 but was greatly helped by two grants — a Vermont Educational Facilities Grant for $22,000 and one from the Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation, a regional private charity, for $15,000.
This is the second library addition to be constructed since Richardson became director two years ago. When Richardson arrived, the library’s restroom did not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Without a safe, usable bathroom, the library was ineligible to provide several programs, such as Vermont Humanities Council.
Richardson recalled that project costing around $75,000.
The addition included the bathroom and a handicap entrance ramp to the library and was paid through town funds.
Construction is expected to be completed in approximately two months.
No date is set for the grand opening but Richardson promises there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate.
“At the last one we had a cake with a toilet bowl on it,” Richardson laughed. “We won’t do that this time.”
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