The Middletown Library Board of Trustees fully endorses the Town’s decision to relocate the Library to 110 Enterprise Center. After careful consideration, we find that this site offers the space, parking, accessibility, and flexibility of use spelled out in our Library Building Program Plan (presented to Town Council in 2023) and offers the quickest path to completion with the least disruption to library services. Consequently, this existing building and location offers the best and most economical opportunity to fulfill our vision of the library as the heart of Middletown, providing expanded library and community services in a welcoming and accessible space.
The 110 Enterprise Center location is superior to the previously considered Middletown Commons site in several key ways:
- Space: The new building provides 29,952 square feet of interior space along with 3.52 acres of land, including 122 parking spaces. The single-level open plan building will enable us to design a library that meets the evolving needs of our patrons with modern adjustable spaces to accommodate a range of activities from individual tutoring and job interviews to lectures, concerts, and recitals. Other spaces will improve access to our collections, art displays, and digital resources.
- Timing: Previously, the plan to build a brand new building required that the library relocate temporarily before the old building was demolished until the new one was completed. In addition to construction costs, this plan would require funding for two moves and rent for a temporary location, as well as likely resulting in a chaotic and suboptimal library experience. By adapting an existing building, we can complete the move faster (and more economically) than if we were to build a new facility, and we will only need to relocate once.
- Accessibility & Safety: This single-story facility, set in a quiet, park-like setting is more attractive and easier to access than a multi-story building on busy West Main Road. Public transit will be able to serve the location, as well. The property’s additional green space and ample parking expand the potential for outdoor community activities in addition to the existing farmer’s market.
- Affordability: In addition to an estimated savings of $14 million, this fiscally responsible choice limits schedule and budget risk by choosing a simple renovation over a new build.
In accordance with Town Ordinance 32.96, we have established a Library Building Committee composed of representatives from the Library Board, Town Council, Town Administration, Library staff, and members of the public. This committee has already begun its work by reviewing proposals from experienced project managers to ensure a comprehensive approach that aligns with our shared vision.
The goal of our work is reflected in our Mission and Vision Statements:
The Middletown Public Library provides a safe and inclusive space that serves our community by providing free access to information, materials, and programs, both within and beyond our walls, delivered by a welcoming and knowledgeable staff.
The Middletown Public Library strives to be the heart of the community by inspiring curiosity, connecting people, and enriching lives.
The Board of Trustees unanimously supports this next chapter for the Middletown Public Library. This move represents an opportunity to build a modern, accessible, and inspiring home for learning, creativity, and connection – a place that will serve our town for generations to come.
Approved by the Middletown Library Board of Trustees on 3/11/2025
