Library, residents consider three plans for building project

Centerville library officials and residents are weighing three proposals for renovation and expansion of the Woodbourne Library.

One of the plans relocates library staff to give teens and children direct access to their sections. This will also allow for more space for furniture and electronics. The new furniture will be outfitted with outlets where patrons can plug in mobile devices.

“We tried to be more efficient by making all of the offices in one area,” said John Fabelo, Director of Design with LWC Architects.

The second proposal places staff near the teen and children’s section because that is their most active area. The expansion will increase the library’s size by approximately 50 percent creating more room for programs and events. Staff will also have additional conference rooms to complete daily tasks.

“We will have a workroom here, which will make it easier for us to manage our sale,” said Peter Adams, President of the Friends of Washington-Centerville Library. “I have been going to this library for 28 years so I am looking forward to this.”

The last plan is the least expensive. Architects will build around the existing infrastructure to maintain the building’s historical feel. The library was built in 1965.

“We tried to salvage more of the existing character of the library, it will keep the offices and conference rooms where they are.” Fabelo said.

The renovations are estimated to cost more than $3.5 million dollars. The project will be paid for with money from the library’s building and operation funds.

Officials surveyed residents between September and November to determine what residents want in the renovated library.

The final design for the expansion will be determined in March. Architects will either make the library a one-phase project, which will close the library during construction, or a two-phase project, which will leave one half of the library open at a time until work is completed.