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Plans and Services
Phase One of the Bethel Public Library building project is complete, but there is still much more to do. The Phase One library was meant to accommodate growth for 5 years. All services were downsized and most are located on the first floor of the new addition. There is less shelving and fewer public seats, tables, and computers than originally planned. In addition, some spaces were not built at all. Below is an explanation of how the current library differs from the original plans.
SEELYE HOUSE LOWER LEVEL (BASEMENT AREA):
Phase 1 - Existing
This space is used now for Teen Services. The Teen Library was relocated from the second floor of the addition as the second floor is not useable during phase one.
Phase 2 - Completed Library
The Friends of the Library Office and Workroom and the Library Storage Room will occupy this space. The Teen Library will relocate to the second floor.
SEELYE HOUSE FIRST FLOOR:
Phase 1 - Existing
Most of the staff work space is on the Seelye House first floor. Small programs for the public are held here. The Local History collection is here, but the room is not open to the public.
Phase 2 - Completed Library
Plans include the restoration of the historic Seelye House which was built in 1842 and has served as Bethel's public library since 1914. There will be a Local History Room that will be open to the public, providing a warm and comfortable place for reading, research, programs and receptions. There also is space for a restroom and a work room for the Children's Department.
SEELYE HOUSE SECOND FLOOR:
Phase 1 - Existing
The Director's Office, the Administrative Assistant's Office, the Staff Lounge, and the Technology Room are as planned on the second floor of the Seelye House. Also here are the Library Board meeting table and a small computer lab. Right now we are able to offer very small classes for 4 or fewer people and the computers are located in a staff work area.
Phase 2 - Completed Library
Additional staff offices will be located on the Seelye House second floor.
NEW ADDITION FIRST FLOOR:
Phase 1 - Existing
The only spaces on the first floor that are according to plan are the Circulation Services Area and the public Restrooms. The remainder of the first floor was reconfigured to accommodate nearly all of the Library's services that would have been located on both the first and second floors.
The Children's collection and Parent Corner, as well as other children's services, are located in the area in front of the Circulation Desk and stairwell to the second floor. The number of computers has been reduced from 8 to 4, seating in the Parent Corner reduced from 6 to 2, total number of tables from 5 to 2, and there is no Children's Program Room.
Public computers for adults, a study/reading table, some study carrels, current issues of magazines and newspapers, 4 reading chairs, and the New Book and Adult AV collections are in the center of the first floor. The study tables were reduced from 5 tables for 4 people each to just 1 table for 6 people. There are fewer study carrels and comfortable reading chairs as well. Back issues of magazines are stored in the staff work area.
The entire west wing houses the Adult Book collection including Reference.
Phase 2 - Completed Library
When the Library is finished, you'll find a larger, more open New Books and Audio Visual area in front of the Circulation Desk. In front of the windows, overlooking the Lincoln Courtyard, is comfortable seating for reading and relaxing. The Children's Library will be the main focus of the first floor with more computers and more tables and chairs for quiet reading and study. There is a spacious Parent Corner where toddlers will have room to play and have stories read to them. A Children's Program Room is included for story hours and crafts, while a Community Room will be available for meetings and larger programs.
NEW ADDITION SECOND FLOOR:
Phase 1 - Existing
The second floor of the new addition is an unfinished shell not useable for any Library services.
Phase 2 - Completed Library
A state of the art Business and Technology Center with 9 workstations will be used for instructional classes for the public and training workshops for the staff. These computers also may be used by the public when all of the computers in the public areas are in use. The Library is working with the local organization TS4NP -- Technology Solutions for Non Profits – to provide training for small businesses and non-profits for using software programs such as Quick Books and Gift Works. The Meserve Foundation recently granted $4,000 for this purpose.
In addition, the second floor Magazine & Newspaper area provides tables & chairs for quiet study as well as comfortable seating that overlooks the Lincoln Courtyard. The room is flooded with natural light making for a most inviting atmosphere. The Teen Library overlooks the Shakespeare Garden and there are two Meeting Room for programs and small group meetings. Reference Services, Computers for the public, the Adult Book collection, and a Staff Work Room complete the space.
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