Welcome to this page where we document the progress of our Library Renovations Project. Our goal is to ensure that the library continues to be a vibrant, inclusive, and functional community hub. Whether you are a frequent visitor, an occasional user, or a first-time guest, we want to hear from you!
If you were unable to attend our 1st Public Meeting on August 13 please feel free to download our presentation here by clicking on the image on the left. It contains a recap of the survey results, first ideas for how to restructure the interior and ways for residents and patrons to support this important project.
September 2024: Feasibility Study
“The library will be embarking on a renovation soon to tackle some critical issues and do a little bit of space rearranging to make the best use of our space, and our next step is a feasibility study, so if you’re paying attention to library renovations, we’ll be announcing a feasibility study soon.” said Library Director, Sarah Lesko:
August 2024: 1st Public Space Planning Meeting
On Tuesday, August 13, 2024 we hosted our first Public Renovation Planning Meeting on the main floor of the library. This meeting was crucial in the ongoing efforts to collect community which started with the release of the our Public Library’s Space Planning Survey in July 2024.
During this event, Library Director Sarah Lesko informed attendees about the survey results and presented different ideas and preliminary floor plans. This was followed by an open forum for attendees to discuss their ideas and suggestions. It was also a chance to get further involved in a number of committees that focus on design, community engagement, youth spaces, advocacy, finance, and technology at the library. These committees will meet at varying frequencies throughout the different stages of this project (Please take a look at the pdf presentation below for further details).
Architect Carla Haskell, who drafted the initial floor plans, will participate in the event. Haskell is the owner of Design Group Collaborative in Ellsworth, a LEED-certified architect, a past president of The Grand’s Board of Directors, and the current chair of the board of directors of Ellsworth’s Historical Society, where she plays an active role in the Old Jail Preservation Committee.
Read about it in the Ellsworth American: Ellsworth Public Library unveils renovation plans.
An interview with Library Director, Sarah Lesko, aired local radio station Star FM 97.7 on August 9, 2024:
July 2024: Release of Our Public Survey
In July 2024, we invited local communities to participate in our Space Planning Survey to gather insights from the community. The library, which is housed in the iconic Tisdale House, is embarking on a new renovation project to improve the experience at the library. The focus is on adding square footage without major building expansions. To adjust to the growing needs of its staff and the community, input from from the community is crucial to create a space that meets the diverse needs of all the library’s patrons and visitors.
It is the library’s goal to maintain and extend its role as a vibrant, inclusive, and functional community hub. The library wanted to hear from frequent visitors, occasional users, or first-time guests alike. The survey was open to the public all throughout July and closed on Wednesday, July 31. Read about it in the Ellsworth American: Ellsworth library renovation project seeks community feedback