Sharon needs an updated library

The modernization of the Hotchkiss Library in Sharon is not happening easily or quickly, and the path to its acceptance has been too long and too circuitous. Prior to the current incarnation of the library board of trustees that has taken on the charge of renovating and enlarging the historic building on Upper Main Street, there were two other hard-working boards that tried to find the correct formula, the one that would work well for all concerned. They were not successful, yet their work brought the possibility of a more user-friendly library space for the citizens of Sharon one step closer to reality. They really should have had more support from all in town.

Now (well, actually, as of the end of 2008) the library’s board of trustees has managed to acquire a $1 million grant to help execute its well organized and carefully considered plans to update the library and make it a better place for all those who use it. The architectural firm J.P. Franzen Associates of Southport, Conn., presented the plans for the building’s restoration and expansion after retaining consultant Nolan Lushington, formerly director of the Greenwich Library for 25 years, to advise them on the best approach to redefining the use of space in the Hotchkiss Library. The firm had to keep in mind the guidelines restricting changes to buildings in historic districts, since the library is in a district which is registered with both the state and the federal governments. The plans were unveiled at a public meeting which was attended by about 25 Sharon residents in July, 2008, and which was covered and written about in this newspaper at that time.

Many public meetings, in fact, have been held in order to give town residents the opportunity to give their input as to what they would like to see happen as the changes to the library are made. The board and architectural firm listened to those who attended these meetings and incorporated their suggestions into the final plans.

Trustees vice president Khurshed Bhumgara wrote a letter to the editor to this newspaper June 11 enumerating the many meetings and discussions over the past year on the library addition and renovation. These were covered by both local media and the library newsletter which is mailed out to all residents of Sharon. Those who did not know the details of the library plan have only themselves to blame, and can only be seen as disingenuous if they say they had no way of knowing what the library board was planning. The process could hardly have been more transparent.

While change of any kind can be difficult to accept, changes are needed to make this charming and historically significant structure more usable for those in need of the services the library provides. It was really built originally more as a residence rather than for public use. As has been well-documented and discussed over the past year (and more) in both the area media and at public meetings: The aisles are too narrow, the space holds thousands more books than it was ever designed for, and as a public building it needs to be handicapped accessible. This renovation and expansion will create a facility that is welcoming to a much wider range of our population, from children to adults to the elderly and those with disabilities. The space is in critical need of updating in order to serve its purpose as a resource to all in the Sharon community.

More people than ever are taking advantage of the many services the library has to offer. At a time when families are struggling to make ends meet, creating a larger and updated library space is more important than ever. Computer access, the statewide library system and all the wealth of resources the library has to offer should be available to town residents no matter what their income levels or tax brackets. This is the purpose of a public library.

Sharon needs a modern library, one that honors the traditions of the town while providing its residents with an attractive and useful space in which to access knowledge. The trustees have come up with an answer that works. Now is the time for a constructive conversation on this plan to lead to a positive outcome, for the good of all in the community.