RUMFORD – The Rumford Public Library Growth Committee has given the go-ahead to a Bar Harbor consulting firm to begin work on a capital campaign for a new library.

The effort may result in replacing the century-old building on Rumford Avenue.

Kathy Sutton, chairwoman of the committee, said Friedman Associates will begin developing a questionnaire within a few days for use in interviewing 30 to 35 potential donors who are in leadership positions. Barbara Trafton of Auburn will assist in the interview process that is slated to begin by the end of May.

“We feel like we’re going in the right direction to allow us to meet the needs of the community in the 21st century,” said Sutton.

During the next couple of weeks, Friedman Associates will also develop a preliminary case statement that will outline the reasons for constructing a new library.

Scott Simon Architects of Portland recommended construction of a new library two years ago. A subsequent survey of library users, however, showed a majority want to maintain the current facility.

Friedman Associates, hired at a cost of $15,000, is charged with developing a report on the feasibility of conducting a capital campaign to help raise funds for building a modern library. The town has agreed to keep the site of the former Stephens High School on Penobscot Avenue undeveloped until 2008. Most believe it will take that much time to decide whether to build a new library on a portion of the lot.

Money for conducting the capital campaign study come from the Betterment Fund and the library’s Board of Trustees.

Sutton said a final report derived from the interviews will be presented to the RPL Growth Committee in mid-July. If a capital campaign proves possible, that report will also include specific suggestions for conducting the project, including a strategic marketing approach, leadership and timing components, said Sutton. The campaign would be launched in early fall.

A tentative cost estimate for construction came in at just under $2 million two years ago.

Sutton estimated three to five years would be needed to raise the necessary funding. Money to build a new library would come from the capital campaign as well as from grants. An architectural drawing of a proposed building will be ready for public view prior to launching the capital campaign.

The committee will also look for ways to use the old library.

“We want the public involved and informed all along the way,” she said.
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