| In the spring of 2000, the library developed and
the Trustees adopted a Plan of Service, which sets goals for all aspects
of library service as well as the facility.
During this three-year plan, there are goals set for programming,
an examination of space limitations, expansion of memberships and
expansion of hours. In the
spring of 2002, accordingly, the Trustees have retained a Library
Building Consultant to assist with facility planning, of which the
present discussion and report are a component.
The Hillsdale Library is housed in a one-story red brick building
with a slate roof. IT stands on a slight rise close to Main Street
(Route 23). Construction of the building was funded by a $30,000
bequest from Flavia M. Bristol of Hillsdale. The building,
constructed by the M. E. Ryan Company of Schenectady, opened
seventy-seven years ago, On January 3, 1925. The main room, a
dignified two-story space with a fireplace at one end and tall Palladian
windows, measures approximately 21.5' by 36', or 774 square feet.
A wing to the right of the entry vestibule measuring approximately 13'
by 11', or 143 square feet, houses public computers in newly renovated
space, while there is an office/workroom, storage and a staff rest room
to the left of the vestibule. The total of the main floor area is
approximately 1,060 gross square feet. A staircase leads from the
entrance vestibule to the basement. There is a full
basement. There is a secondary means of egress directly from the
basement space. Total area in use, therefore is approximately
2,120 gross square feet, or .32 square feet per capita in the service
population.
Over the past seventy-seven years, the building has been carefully
maintained and recently upgraded in small increments.
The main level of the building houses the circulation desk and all
adult services, including books, videotapes and audiotapes, seating,
public access computers, and the staff work room. The basement
level, reached by the staircase from the front vestibule, houses the
children's room, approximately 21' by 21' or 441 square feet, a small
local history collection and an ongoing book sale sponsored by the
Friends of the Library, as well as the furnace room.
The exterior is well-kept and attractive. The library is served
by a well. The septic system is located in the front to the right
of the building. There is no public rest room, since the only rest
room opens into the Librarian's office. |
