Design updates bring the cost estimate for a new Woodstock library building to $2000 less than five million dollars, down from $6.9 million originally proposed by architect Stephen Tilly. Not included in the building budget were so-called soft costs, such as computer equipment, furniture, telephone and security systems. Building committee chair Howard Kagan said those will be figured into the planned bond amount to be on the November ballot.
Reducing the size from the 13,400 square feet originally proposed by Tilly to 12,000 square feet and other changes suggested by construction manager agent JC Alten were employed. Further reductions will be needed to meet the $4.2-million construction budget.
Another item needing attention is the book barn used by the Friends of the Library for book sales and Library Fair storage. Moving the structure across the street to the former Library Laundromat parcel will cost $29,500. Given its condition, a new barn might be more cost-effective, he noted.
Gay Leonhardt, a vocal opponent of the building plans, asked whether continuing the project is wise given the degree of the present economic uncertainty. “With the virus and the crash of the economy and number of unemployed, it strikes me as a poor time to be spending money on a facility,” she said. “I’m wondering if you’re going to proceed as if the world isn’t crashing.”
In other business, Woodstock Library trustees voted last week to update the recently adopted pandemic policy to bring it more in line with a similar resolution to continue paying town employees. The policy now requires all non-essential employees to be ready to work remotely or through other means when called upon. Those unwilling or unable to work will be required to take sick, personal or vacation time.
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