The Ideal Shutesbury Library

From the Library Building Program:

The Ideal Shutesbury Library

“Shutesbury residents have indicated that they like the friendly, welcoming atmosphere at the current library facility. As we move toward the future, LFNAC members recommend that the library maintains its small town atmosphere, while serving our growing population of active library users with a high quality library. LFNAC members continue to encourage suggestions from residents. Some strongly expressed ideas suggested the library should:

a. Be located in the town center (85.7% said very or somewhat important)

b.Serve as a community center, strengthening community in Shutesbury.

c. Offer more activities at the library.

d.Be visible to the community.

e. Be an architectural enhancement to the town.

f.  Be built with planning for the future in mind and that it last a long time.

g.Honor the town’ s history.

h.Reflect current thinking about ecology – i.e. have a southern exposure, be a “green” building, possibly include photovoltaic cells for electricity, and/or use solar or geothermal heating.

i.  Reflect the cultures represented in the community.

j.  Be a place that provides educational opportunities for the community.

k.Include a café or community center where residents can gather and socialize.

Patrons would prefer a larger overall space that could include community rooms that could be used for classes or groups (for example, a knitting group, the library book group, yoga classes, etc.) Any expansion of the library must match the unique character of Shutesbury, respect the town and library history, reflect the needs of the residents, and be mindful of the budgetary limitations of a small town. (library building program 2009)