WEST PARIS – As planning for a parking lot, septic system and an addition moves forward, Arthur L. Mann Memorial Library trustees kicked off campaign to pay for the projects last Friday.

Trustees accepted the first donation toward the effort: A $200 check from the Unitarian/Universalist Church’s Good Will Association, presented to trustee Chairman Rodney Abbott.

Abbott called the donation a good start, but noted “we have a long way to go.”

How far isn’t known. Abbot said no final estimate of how much must to be raised is available. Costs for each aspect of the work are being worked out as part of the planning process.

Abbott said the board’s goal is to build an addition to the rear of the historic castle-like building without changing its outward appearance from the street. The parking lot is to be developed off Park Street on a vacant lot recently acquired by the town. The septic system will be between the addition and the parking area.

“It is going to be a major project,” said Abbott, “and the septic system and parking lot will be the first step as they have to be done at the same time.”

Besides serving the library, the parking lot will serve people visiting area churches, the Historical Society, and the Grange and Masonic halls.

He said the addition will follow.

That’s needed, Abbott said, to provide adequate book display space, a children’s reading room, an office for the librarian and a computer room.

Trustees also intend to make the building accessible to handicapped people to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The fund-raising effort to pay for the work will include seeking grants as well as more home-grown projects such as book and food sales and a basket bingo. Donations also are welcome.

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