Groundbreaking for new library set for Saturday
New structure is more than three times larger than the current library
GALWAY, N.Y. » Groundbreaking ceremonies are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday for the new $2.6 million Galway Public Library that’s scheduled to open next year.
The 5,930-square-foot building will be located on a 13.6acre property on East Street, almost directly opposite St. Mary’s Church.
The new structure is more than three times larger than the current library, a former Odd Fellows Hall where more than 30,000 items are jampacked inside its 1,800-square foot space.
The new library’s more spacious setting is expected to increase circulation and make possible a wider range of community-oriented programs for kids and adults alike. In addition to a much larger parking area, it will have a children’s room, teen area, reading area, and a 45-seat program room for meetings and events.
“The program room will be equipped with the technology and accommodations to serve as a multi-function space,” the library website says. “The library will utilize the space for classes, arts and crafts projects, performances, art shows and displays, tutoring, meetings, discussions and forums. When not in use by the library, the program room will be available to the community.”
The new building was designed by the Ballston Spabased architectural firm Butler Rowland Mays.
The project’s general contractor is Melrose-based Hoosick Valley Contractors Inc. Other contracts have been awarded to Burniche Piping Inc. of Waterford for plumbing, Collins Mechanical LLC of Stillwater for mechanical work and Current Electrical System Inc. for Glenville for electrical jobs.
Voters in Galway Central School District approved bonding $1.15 million for the project last June. The project will cost residents with property assessed at $200,000 an extra $34 per year.
Another $1 million has been pledged from private sources, and plans call for raising $350,000 with a multi-faceted campaign focused on gifts and grants.
Plans call for the new library to open next summer.
The library purchased land for the building in 2013 from David and Katherine Michalski for $103,500.
Plans call for selling the existing library after the new one opens.
“At this time there are no plans to hire additional staff,” the library website says. “The new library’s design enhances vision lines, enabling staff to observe activities in the library from a central location.”