This document proposes building a new library in Milford, NH to replace the current outdated and undersized facility. It argues that libraries are important community hubs that boost local economies by attracting foot traffic and supporting small businesses and job seekers. The current Milford library is only 57% of the average size for NH libraries and cannot meet community needs. The proposed solution is to demolish the existing building and construct a new two-story, 21,000 square foot library on the same footprint to provide more program and meeting space for residents at an estimated cost of $5.4 million, offset by $500,000 in trustee funds.

1. IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME:
STRONG LIBRARIES = STRONG COMMUNITIES
A P R E S E N T A T I O N F O R M I L F O R D ’ S
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

2. WHY EDAC?
“Libraries often function as catalysts for economic
development…because their reputation as safe
community assets make them desirable neighbors. But
their programs also aid local economies by providing
valuable information to entrepreneurs, supporting
education and early literacy, and helping job-seekers to
improve their skills and find employment.”
“ULC Report: Libraries are Sustainability Partners.” American Libraries. Jan/Feb 2011, Vol. 42 Issue ½, p.20.

3. WHY EDAC?
 Library as community hub
 Neutral space
 One-stop information centers
 Programs & services for all ages, 0-100
 Forums to exchange ideas
 Opportunities for learning, innovation
 Introduction & access to new (and “old”) technologies
 Bridging the “digital divide”

4. WHY EDAC?
 Libraries boost local economies
 “Anchor” for the downtown
 Draw enormous foot traffic, all ages, all day long
 11,000 visits/month
 Nearly a quarter million checkouts
 Economic engine: creates opportunities
 Studies
 Complements vs competes

5. WHY EDAC?
 Libraries boost local economies
 Helps create a more attractive market for businesses, residences
 Long term tenancy = stability, safety, quality of life
 Small business support
 Access to print & cost-prohibitive online resources, technology
 Education station for job seekers

6. Why we need a new library
64 years old
3 levels
28 years old
2 levels
28 years old
1 level
Current facility: 14,000 sq.ft.

7. Why we need a new library
 Extremely limited ability to meet the needs as
expressed by community members
 Insufficient space for Teen & Children’s programs
and collections
 No way to contain noise
 No flexible space for new initiatives, growth
 Inefficient work flow
 Not enough parking, esp. handicapped
 Building not compliant with ADA

8. Why we need a new library
 Space. How cramped IS it?
 Average square footage of NH public libraries:
1.40 sq.ft/capita
 Milford’s library = .89 sq.ft/capita
57% SMALLER than the state average

9. Why we need a new library
 Design capacity: tipping point
 The most heavily used town building outside schools
 Last year: averaged 11,000+ visits per month
 Nearly a quarter million checkouts
 14,000 program attendees
Investing in the library =
Huge community impact

10. Why we need a new library
 Project supported by:
 Two community surveys
 Professional, in-depth space needs analysis
 Focus groups – staff and community
 Strategic planning process

11. Why we need a new library
 Projected & planned for in:
 Current and past Town Master Plans
 Past Library Long Range Plans
 Current Library Strategic Plan
 Town Capital Improvement Plans
EVERY YEAR SINCE 1995
Every year that passes,
the cost increases.

12. SOLUTION
 Options carefully evaluated in terms of:
 What is the price tag?
 What are the operational & maintenance costs going
forward?
 Are identified program & community needs met?
 Are space & workflow efficiencies addressed?

13. SOLUTION
 Unanimous board vote.
 Demolish entire current structure, rebuild a 2 story
structure on existing footprint & add a 2 story
structure of 8100 sq.ft.

14. SOLUTION
 Decision made *not* to renovate. Why?
 Added 9 months to construction time
 Still left with operational/maintenance inefficiencies
 Still left with overall layout problems which don’t meet
needs
Chopped up floor plan does not work for 21st century libraries

15. SOLUTION
 Why is this the best choice?
 Rebuilding allows for LESS total square footage
 Design stresses open, flexible spaces – allows for future
change
 Better, more efficient spatial layout
 Easier, more efficient to staff/secure/maintain
 Cheaper to heat/cool/vent

16. SOLUTION

17. SOLUTION

18. SOLUTION

19. Added
green
space

20. HIGHLIGHTS
 Larger Children’s Dept w/ dedicated program space
 Larger, contained Teen Dept
 Large, flexible meeting room space to accommodate
bigger programs and groups
 Flexible floor plans to allow for future use/growth

21. HIGHLIGHTS
 After-hours meeting room use
 Several small group/quiet study rooms
 Technology/business center
 Vastly improved efficiencies

24. HIGHLIGHTS
 Reminder:
 Average square footage of NH public libraries:
1.40 sq.ft/capita
 Milford’s library = .89 sq.ft/capita (57% smaller)
 Proposed project: 1.34 sq.ft per capita
 We’re not over-building
 We’re building to meet the needs of today’s population

25.  Parking
HIGHLIGHTS
 Current parking lot = 38 spaces
 Future parking lot = approximately 60 spaces

26. Added
green
space
Added
parking

27. COST
 Cost to taxpayers: $4.9 million
 Total project cost of $5.4 million
 Cost offset by $500,000 Trustee contribution

28.  Tax impact = .33/$1000
 Impact for a home valued at $200k = $66/year
 Average Milford home valued = $235,800 (2013)
 Tax impact = $78/year
COST

29. BENEFITS
 “Libraries “attract tremendous foot traffic, provide
long-term tenancy and complement neighboring
retail and cultural destinations.”
 “Libraries generate increased business for local
merchants” while not competing with them.
“Libraries at the heart of our communities.” Planning Commissioners Journal Summer 2009: 12-19.

30. BENEFITS
 In the most heavily used town facility outside of
the schools, the investment has a huge impact on
residents, local economy.
 Access to resources and new technologies for all.
 Educational, informational and recreational
programs and services…for all ages.

31. Wadleigh Memorial Library