1.
The adopted FY ’06 -’15 Capital Improvement Plan contains
funding for a 20,000 sq. ft. New Baltimore branch library located on
a five-acre site adjoining the newly built Auburn Middle School.
Funds for the project design were approved for FY ’06; construction
is scheduled for FY ’08-’09.
2.
Water and sewer taps for the branch were reserved in January
2006.
The
uncertain future availability of sewer and water taps in the New
Baltimore service district and an anticipated rise in cost of the
taps in the near future prompted the Library Board to reserve the
taps.
3.
Ten architectural and engineering firms submitted proposals
in response to a Request For Proposal (RFP) released in
mid-January. A phased approach has been outlined for the design and
construction of the building. The first phase includes pre-design,
schematic design, and design development, culminating in a detailed
cost estimate, including elements such as site preparation,
construction, furnishings, equipment, and all architectural and
engineering fees. The second phase will be final planning, detailed
construction documents, bidding the project, and construction
administration ending with post construction and as-built documents.
4.
The branch is planned to serve as a community library. It
will provide eastern Fauquier residents with library services in
their community that equal those available in other areas of the
county. Currently, eastern Fauquier residents must use the Warrenton
library which already suffers from lack of space and is finding it
increasingly difficult to provide the high quality service its
patrons have come to expect. A community library in eastern
Fauquier County would provide some relief to the overcrowded, always
busy Warrenton library.
5.
The branch collection will offer high-demand titles of
popular and current material. A current and general information
service will cover all subject areas. An active children’s program
is planned. Audiovisual, non-print material will be available to
meet demands of the community. Internet access, hard-wired and
wireless, as well as a computer lab will be provided. Quiet study
space for groups and a large meeting room with a small kitchenette
will be available.
6.
Space for the Technical Services Department, responsible for
the receipt and processing of new library materials, is included in
the new branch. This move is necessary to accommodate a 40%
increase in the number of items received and processed by the
department since 1993, the first year it moved to the 400-sq.-ft.
space it currently occupies on the 1st floor of the
Warrenton library. Delivery of items to the department has become
especially difficult given the increased volume and lack of parking
space in Warrenton. Additionally, the department does not have
enough work space to accommodate several volunteers who unpack and
process new materials. Last year these volunteers donated
roughly1,000 hours.