MIDDLEBURY, Vt. (WCAX) – The Ilsey Public Library is 100 years old this year, and people in town are looking to give it some TLC.
The $17 million project has been in the works since 2007. The renovation plan is to create a new two-story addition to the library and improve systems like HVAC and plumbing.
The project would also include a library activity room, a conference room, an early learning area, high school and middle school space, and more meeting rooms.
“There’s a lot of moisture infiltration in the basement where the children’s room is and the cost of maintaining the aging heating system. And a lot of a lot of the structure is escalating quickly. This is the second time that a lot of effort has gone into planning a major renovation and expansion. And at this point, we’ve got excellent architectural design for an addition which is going to go before the voters on a special ballot,” said Andy Hooper of the Middlebury selectboard.
The library renovations will add a net of 8,000 square feet, and the town expects the library to be relocated temporarily during reconstruction for around 18 months.
Middlebury voters will be asked to approve roughly $4 million for these upgrades during a special election on May 7th.