New Building

I'm so happy that we are moving forward on our new library project. We've gone from painstaking progress with studies and surveys to purchasing the Dale's property and hiring an architect! The architectural team from King and King architects, out of Syracuse, selected by the Building Committee and endorsed by the Swan Library Board has done many projects--and many types of projects. Kirk Narburgh, the lead architect in our meetings so far, is an Albion native, and is eager to do a new library in his home town. The other team members are also anxious to do a good job for us, and were happy to learn the suggestions from Board, Staff, and Project volunteers at our first meeting.
The message that we all wanted a very functional building, that at the same time is very energy efficient was not lost on the architects. Some ideas came out of that meeting that may help us to do just that.
Back when this project was just a dream, I read somewhere that envisioning the project in as much detail as possible would help the idea to become concrete, and help bring it to fruition. So ever since then, I have been building the idea of this new library in my mind--what we need, what the members of the community want, and what will minimize the ongoing costs to the community in the future. All of these things have become part of our shared vision.
This site--the very best in the Village to put a new library, is the basis for this shared vision. At this spot we will become a bridge between the historic Downtown and the new businesses on South Main Street, and a gateway to the historic district. Close enough to our present site so people who use the bike path by the canal, and those who are boating the canal, can still come in to check their e-mail, and message their friends about where they are, this site also is great for those who are accustomed to walking to the library. At the same time, people who have been frustrated in their desire to use the library because of the lack of close parking, the imposing steps, and the heavy front door, will find far easier access to the library than ever before.
This will be a building where, when you walk in, all parts of the library will be visible to you. The "new book" shelves will be large enough to hold more than a month's worth of new books, the circulation desk will accomodate more than one check-out station, the children's library, the meeting room and the local history section will be obvious destinations when you walk in the door--not hidden on separate floors and cramped alcoves. There will be places for tutors to meet with students without disturbing others browsing the shelves. Computer access to the collection and for internet browsers will be immediately available, and wireless access will be throughout the library.
I can hardly wait! But, we have a long way to go--please be patient with us--there's still a lot to do!