LYNNFIELD — Plans to improve the existing Lynnfield Library have moved closer to fruition.

During a schematic design update to the Select Board, Board of Library Trustees Vice-Chair Anne Malenfant summarized the various options for an improvement project. Those options included doing nothing; waiting until later; “repair only,” and renovation. She identified the major considerations in assessing the options and said doing nothing simply is not an option as the building is not up to code, is not ADA compliant and is currently overcrowded, is plagued by acoustic issues and the impact of of cost escalation would result in significant financial costs to the town estimated to be approximately 7.5% per year based on the last 23 years.

Waiting until later would also result in a higher price tag and still not address the current maintenance and repairs currently in need, Malenfant said, and that repairing only would result in a net loss of space and also be more expensive.

“We feel this (renovation) is the best economic option and the best return on investment and the least disruptive,” Malenfant said. 

Tappé’s Jeff Hoover, described by DPW Director John Scenna as a nationally “renowned” expert in library buildings, provided a summary of the features of the proposed renovation. The new building will see improvements on the ground floor featuring an expanded and improved children’s area, reconfiguration of the genealogy section, private conversation areas, and improved sight lines to provide enhanced safety and security in the childrens’ section. Additionally, a new back entrance will be added and all facilities, including bathrooms, will be updated to comply with applicable codes and ADA requirements.

The second-floor roof will be raised to add a “fantastic” addition of a teen room and an additional 70-person all-purpose room suitable for multiple community uses, along with group study rooms and a new elevator located next to the all-purpose room that has “good daylight” looking out onto the common.

Hoover said the addition will maintain the “overall character so it fits” the historical nature of the Town Common.

Scenna outlined the costs of the project and timeline. Should the project be approved, bidding will take place in the fall of 2025 with construction beginning in 2026 with completion slated for 2027. All told, the renovation will cost $18.3 million.

“The timing is right for us,” Scenna said, adding that the plan is to relocate the library during construction into the temporary space currently occupied by Town Hall departments due to ongoing construction of the new public safety buildings.

“Renovation is the most efficient, least expensive, and results in the best possible version of the library,” Scenna said. “It represents the best return on investment and public value. This path forward has been fully endorsed by the library director (Abby Porter) and all of her staff and the trustees have been involved as well. We feel we have a project that is the best path forward for the community.”

Senna said the average cost to fund the project will be approximately $208 per average home.

Select Board Chair Dick Dalton commended all for the thorough presentation, saying “it was great to see the layouts in the different rooms.”

Select Board Vice Chair Phil Crawford said the presentation was “wonderful.

“This is just a great job by everyone,” he said. “This is the best option for the town. If you just do the things you need to do to come up to code it will cost $10-12 million and for another $6 million, you’re adding 5,000 square feet in space. You are getting the programming we need. an updated and modern library inside and the same character and beautiful building on the outside. I think that’s the way to go.”

Fellow board member Alexis Leahy said she thought the presentation was “extremely helpful” and agreed that it “seems like renovation is the best option because I cannot imagine doing this piecemeal at this point.”

Not everyone, however, was on board. Resident Curtis Craffey said, “These are some very expensive renovations” and noted the increased tax burden on residents. He questioned, “Why are we hearing about this in public for the first time” and also said there was a “huge” lack of transparency.

Dalton immediately objected to Craffey’s comments, saying “The use of the word transparency is an insult.  No member or this board has any reservations about the transparency of this project.

Former library trustee Kendall Inglese said “T stars are aligned. This is our best opportunity and we really should do it while we can. $208 is really worth every penny.”

Trustees Chair Joe Gallagher said the presentation included much detail and information and advised anyone with questions or in need of more information to go to https://lynnfieldlibrary.org/about/renovation/.