The budget for renovation of the Children’s Department and adjacent Circulation Desk area in the Garden City Public Library has been amended after officials suggested alternatives and/or additions to enhance user experience even more than originally proposed. Suggestions include adding a sink in the new S.T.E.A.M. (Science Technology Engineering Art Math) Workshop, and connecting the desks in the Circulation area and incorporating granite countertops.
According to Trustee Colleen Foley, board liaison to the library, she, along with Village Administrator Ralph Suozzi, Building Superintendent Giuseppe Giovanniello, Library Director Marianne Malagon, Library Board Chairperson Randy Colahan and members of H2M Architects have met for approximately one year developing these concepts. A major focal point upon entering the Library is the Circulation Desk area. Restoring the natural brick opening, connecting the two desks and opting for granite countertops is aesthetically pleasing.
The board unanimously agreed to amend the budget at a cost not to exceed $275,000—bringing the project total to approximately $1,120,000, less $165,000 from years of accrued State Bullet aid and memorial gifts, $200,000 in SAM (state and municipal) facilities grants and $71,000 in a Special Reserve account approved by the Library Board allocated for cost overruns if needed, or technology. The Board’s decision to amend the budget enables the H2M designer to incorporate the new elements into the bid specifications so that the price the Village gets back is representative of the market rate cost of the project.
“This is a very needed project. This is a very active area. The Library is very utilized by our younger residents. This would be a dramatic improvement, particularly for the littlest residents here,” Trustee Foley said.
Mayor Veneziale added, “The library should be special, I agree,” he said.
Submitted by the Village of Garden City
