The Framingham Public Library

McAuliffe Branch Building Project

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we need a new branch library?

The McAuliffe Branch Library is too small to adequately serve the needs of patrons. With 12,000 patron visits per month, McAuliffe is the second busiest of the 106 branch libraries in Massachusetts, but among the smallest of the branch libraries. McAuliffe’s circulation exceeds that of many main libraries.

Although the McAuliffe staff do a fine job with available resources, space is severely limited:

With an enlarged McAuliffe Branch Library, the FPL system will be able to overcome the above deficiencies.

In addition, we need a larger Branch to supplement library services available in the public schools. Eight of the Town’s 12 schools are located near McAuliffe. The public schools only have two professional librarians on staff, plus library aides. Elementary school libraries are now open just two weeks a month. School libraries are closed at night, on weekends, and during vacations.

 

Where can I view statistics on the Framingham Libraries, and the McAuliffe Branch in particular?

A PDF file of Framingham Public Library statistics is available for viewing or downloading here.

 

What progress has been made so far?

Town Meeting members approved two articles on January 27, 2011:

Article 3:

Town Meeting approved the preliminary design for the new McAuliffe Branch Library building, as shown in the architectural schematics included in the background materials.

Article 4:

Town Meeting authorized the Board of Selectmen to acquire a parcel of land at 732-746 RR Water Street, across from the Hemenway School. The purchase is contingent upon receipt of the grant and a future vote by Town Meeting to fund its share of the construction costs.

 

Why Nobscot, not Pinefield?

The Town issued a Request for Proposal for sites for the proposed new branch. The Library Trustees used the requirements listed in the RFP to carefully evaluate both responses to the RFP. The asking price for the Pinefield site was $1.5 million, compared with $739,800 for the Nobscot site. The asking price for the Pinefield site was more than twice the $675,000 the owner wanted in 2005. The Library Trustees rejected the more expensive site.

 

How would you describe the design for the new McAuliffe Branch Library?

In keeping with the program or plan developed by Vandermark Consulting, this preliminary design is for a one-story building of about 17,000 square feet. The building is ‘L’ shaped, with one wing for children, and the other wing for young adults and adults. Parking will be on the west side, near the Nobscot Plaza.

The space between the two legs is useful for outside activities. The building has a sloped roof which is lowest in the children’s section and highest in the adults’ section. The exterior will use materials that blend into the surroundings.

 

Does the building design meet the needs of the community?

To prepare for the McAuliffe project, the Library hosted two forums, posted an online survey, and engaged Vandermark Consulting to interview patrons, staff, and Trustees and write a program or plan for the new branch. In Summer, 2010, more than 300 people provided input on the features needed in the new McAuliffe. Among their recommendations were the following:

These recommendations are an integral part of the design for the new McAuliffe Branch Library. The design incorporates recommendations from Vandermark Consulting.

 

How can Framingham afford this project?

The purchase will be a capital expense bonded over 20 years. The project will not affect the Town’s operating budget. The grant will cover 50% of the cost of the building and the land, about twice the percentage the Town would have gotten had it built a new branch in 2005. Debt expenses for the land will begin in FY 2013 and in FY 2014 for the building.

The existing McAuliffe building needs $422,000 in repairs and improvements. This includes completing the upgrade to the HVAC system and making the building and restrooms accessible.

 

What will happen to the house and outlying building on the proposed site at 746 Water Street?

The Library, with the advice of the Framingham Historic Society, will explore whether alternative uses exist for the house.

 

How much will the building cost?

We are considering a new one-story building of around 17,000 square feet. The estimated cost is about $8.6 million, including land. Framingham was placed #6 on the waiting list for the Library’s award of a $4.2 M grant from the Mass Board of Library Commissioners. The Library will request $3.8 M from the Town when we receive the grant funding, estimated to be around July 2013. The Library’s Foundation will raise $600,000.

 

Will other operating costs increase at the new branch library?

We are striving for LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). A LEED certified green building will use fuel more efficiently.

We are also planning a building with clear sight lines so that we can operate McAuliffe with current staff.

 

Will you continue to enhance the Main Library while focusing on the McAuliffe Branch?

The FPL has described a number of improvements to the Main Library in its Long Range Plan, 2011-2013. These include making the library more accessible for people with disabilities and reconfiguring the Children’s Room and other areas. We will also add more computers for patrons to use and reorganize parts of the collection to make it easier to locate specific items.

 

Why do we need a new building if Kindle, Nook, iPad, and similar devices will reduce the demand for hard copy materials?

Only 5-8% of American adults now use ebooks. We don’t know how fast others will purchase e-books. Children need colorful books and other materials that they can touch, feel, and read. Some people will never want to use or be able to use electronic materials. The new branch will have a flexible design so that we can reconfigure the building as technology and patron needs change.

 

Why did the Library form the Framingham Public Library Foundation?

The short-term goal of the FPL Foundation is to raise money to offset the cost of building a new McAuliffe Branch Library. The long-term goal is to raise money for both Libraries to supplement, not replace, funds provided by the town. The Main Library will continue to be the central Library for the Town.

 

How may I make a donation to the Foundation?

Donations from individuals and corporations are greatly appreciated. You may make a donation right now, pledge to donate a larger sum over a 1-3 year period, or buy a brick to honor or remember someone.

Donation forms are available at both libraries and will soon be available on the Foundation's website, where you can use PayPal to make a donation.

 

Does the Foundation have a matching program?

The Foundation has a matching program. Check whether your company also has a matching program.

 

Whom may I call if I have suggestions or questions about either the Main Library or the McAuliffe Branch Library?

For answers to your questions, call or email Jeanne Kelley, Library Director, jkelley@minlib.net (508-532-5570, ext. 4358).