Goshen Public Library (NY) Building Facts

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Why does the Goshen Public Library and Historical Society need a new building?

We have been able to add new materials and services only by eliminating others.
In the past 5 years we have eliminated: seats (to accommodate shelving and computers); browsing of the artifact and local history collections (to accommodate growing youth services); displays, group computer instruction, and community use of the meeting room (to accommodate library programs.)
Only one-fifth of our patrons who drive to the library can find parking.
We can no longer add services in response to your needs, owing to space constraints.
In addition to the services curtailed or eliminated, you have continually asked for other services - top on the list are quiet study space, video games, separate shelving for various materials to make browsing easier, and more of everything we do.
Growth in the community results in growth in the demand for services.
Thirty-five hundred housing units are in the planning stages in the Village and Town of Goshen, resulting in a projected population increase of almost 5,000). This does not account for the rest of the school district. In a growing community the library is unable to grow.
Our 2005 strategic plan outlines service goals determined by a 30 member Community Advisory Committee. Fulfilling the plan is contingent on having the space to meet the needs defined.

How big a building do we need?

A 2003 evaluation of our space needs, based on 10 years worth of statistical data, indicated that we need a 28,000-30,000 square foot building, with parking for 100 cars. Population growth is projected at 3.5% annually. We therefore need at least a 28,000 -30,000 square feet to achieve our service goals.

Since 1993

Library Visits increase: 72%
Library Circulation increase: 74%
Audio/Video holdings increase: 63%
Space increase: 0%

Why don't you add on to the present building?

This 1918 building is just 5,610 square feet including 2100 square feet of basement. Expanding the present building into the parking lot and using all available land along Hill Street for parking would give us only 8,620 square feet and parking for just 11 cars.

What will happen to our lovely old building?

In 2006, this building was appraised at $730,000. Most practically for the benefit of the taxpayers, it will be sold and the income from the sale be used to defray some of the costs of the new building. The added financial benefit would be the return of this property to the tax rolls.

You can't take the library out of the village!

A Site Committee of five residents of the GCSD met from October 1994 - July 1995. The committee determined that the library should remain in the village, which is the population center of the school district and the location of all of the schools. Evaluated sites include: the Erie St. Park, the Main St. school building, school district properties adjacent to C.J. Hooker and Scotchtown Avenue schools, the Salesian property and a privately owned parcel at 28 Scotchtown Ave. Subsequently, the Library Board revisited the Main St. school, and the privately owned parcel (twice). The Library Board has also investigated the former Lippincott House, the jail site, and two other privately owned parcels.

Where will the library be located?

The Library has purchased a 5 acre privately owned parcel on Main Street, between the VFW Hall and the Salesian Park. It is the last undeveloped piece of the former Salesian land. This location is highly visible, and accessible by bicycle and on foot. The lot is of sufficient size to accommodate future growth. The library will accommodate some of the uses specified by the community for the Salesian park: meeting spaces, community center, youth center, cultural center, gallery space, and visitor information. Locating the library at the park will eliminate duplication of services. (Plot image included in PDF)

What will the new building look like?

The new library will reflect Goshen’s architectural heritage and complement its park-like setting. The library’s architect is currently developing a plan for the new building. Drawings will be presented to the public for comment.

How much will it cost?

Each year that passes increases the total project cost as labor and material costs raise. When we began a building program in 1994, the projected cost was about $90 per square foot. At today’s rates, we are projecting $400 per square foot ( $12 million furnished and equipped). We hope to lock in a plan and bring a referendum to vote in 2007.

What is the Goshen Public Library and Historical Society?

The Goshen Public Library and Historical Society was first chartered by the State of New York as an association (private) library in 1894.

As a result of a public vote of the residents of the Goshen Central School District in March 1984, it subsequently received an absolute charter as a school district public library in October 1989.

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Goshen Public Library Building Facts 2007