WESTBOROUGH – Amid the fun and games at Westborough Public Library’s annual open house on Sept. 8, visitors shared their vision of what they would like to see at the facility.
Movable reading nooks for children? A bathroom just for children? A teen space in another part of the library? Charging stations? Study space? More study space?
In the community room, a full house took part in a focus group and feedback session.
Lamoureaux Pagano Architects, the designers for the library’s repair project, conducted the session. Participants got to use an online, interactive questionnaire.
With a few clicks of a smartphone or tablet, questions about what should be part of the repair project were answered instantly; the results were posted in real time on a screen in the room.
Printed versions of the questionnaire were also provided.
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In addition to answering questions, participants saw some potential features in other libraries, such as reading nooks in the Worcester Public Library.
There was also a discussion of how the library could evolve over the next few decades.
“We’re transitioning to a gathering place,” said library Director Maureen Amyot. “We want to be a warm, welcoming type place. Books are still our brand, but it’s only one of the things we do.”
Some in the audience wanted the library and the architects to understand the need for transparency, especially when it comes to paying for the project.
This gathering of information will help the architects better understand the needs and desires of the community as it relates to the library’s repairs. The public survey is now available — go to www.menti.com and enter the code 1151 6865.
The repair project — what’s next?
The architects and Vertex, the owner’s project manager, are preparing a schematic design; part of the process includes developing “scope scenarios” that would prioritize the repairs.
The Library Building Committee plans to present an update at Fall Town Meeting.
At Town Meeting next spring, there will be an article asking for funds toward fees for design development, construction documents and bidding.
