The Mineola Board of Trustees in agreement with the Library Board unanimously approved a motion to hold a referendum on Tuesday, Oct. 20 so that Mineola residents will vote to approve or deny a $3.994 million bond to pay for the renovation of the Mineola Memorial Library.

Library Board President Jack Martins told those assembled in the Village Hall, that a year ago, he and the library board were charged with evaluating the Mineola Memorial Library.

Now a plan addressing the needs of the library and re-evaluating the resources has been crafted by Beatty Harvey & Associates, a library architecture firm. "We highly recommend it," said Martins.

Newly appointed Library Director Carol Ahrens said that after her examination of the situation there are five areas that need to be addressed in improving the library.

She said the library needs additional seating space, particularly for children; an expanded book selection, improved in both quantity and quality; computers with Internet access; an engaging young adult area that cultivates readers; and a story hour room complete with toys.

"With your support we can make the library into something we can be proud of," said Ahrens.

The architect working most closely on the project is Todd Harvey and he addressed some of the problems that face the current 40-year-old building and some of the solutions to those problems.

Harvey said the building is a solid structure, but it needs improvements in the mechanical and electrical aspects as well as the windows, furniture and rugs to name just a few.

He said its location in Mineola Memorial Park is an asset that should be utilized. One such way is the possibility of including a patio for outside reading.

The initial plans for the library improvement include an addition measuring 4,800 square feet, per floor, to the existing building that would stretch out into the park.

Though no specifics have been hammered out, the exterior could see such changes as more glass windows and the aforementioned patio.

On the first floor the adult section would be moved to the front of the building, the circulation desk would be moved to the left of the entrance, a reading room would be added to the back, there would be computer capabilities at almost every chair and accessible bathrooms.

The lower level would have a community room and a children's room overlooking the park.

There are also plans for the addition of more parking spaces, however the board believes this will be a project of the Mineola Department of Works, and was not factored into the cost of the initial library project.

Village Attorney John Spellman addressed the cost of the project which has been estimated at $3,994,000 as well as $500,000 that will be included in the budget for the purchase of new books.

The just under $4 million price tag would cost $36.80 annually or $3.08 a month for residents, if they vote in favor of the project at the Oct. 20 referendum. Senior citizens with tax exemptions will pay less than $2 a month.

Spellman broke down the cost after a question from resident Scott Fairgrieve; landscaping and utilities would cost $70,000; the conversion of the upper floor would cost $384,000; the conversion of the lower floor would cost $240,000; renovation of the 13,000 square foot building would cost $1.137 million; asbestos abatement would cost $40,000; furniture and equipment would cost $300,000; books will cost $500,000; and computers would cost $100,000.

These along with several other items and several soft cost items bring the total to $3.994 million. It was proposed that the cost would be paid off in a 20 year bond.

"It is a large number, but it is the most cost effective number," said Martins.

Though residents had questions they spoke in favor of the renovation of the library.

"I am really glad we are doing this," said Marilyn Koss. Mike Dougherty said he felt the current library was "not up to snuff," and John Dougherty described the idea as "excellent" and "long overdue." Former library page Katrina Doell commented that she was happy to see the plans underway, but also noted that the staff has always been helpful.

Trustees Warren Brinker, Lou Santosus and Elizabeth Conlon all spoke in favor of the project.

Any opinions that were negative were based less on the library project and more on the time of the meeting and notification. Both Elizabeth Henley and Fairgrieve suggested better notification for greater public turnout and more hearings.

Mayor John P. Colbert said that there would in fact be more meetings and though the amount of money had already been determined, the board would welcome any more input as the process moved toward the Tuesday, Oct. 20 referendum.