WEST PARIS – Phase one of the planned expansion of the Arthur L. Mann Memorial Library is nearly complete, officials said this week, but the project is on hold while a fund-raising campaign goes forward.
Presently, the new access road and parking lot across from the Universalist Church are complete and usable, although paving is waiting for spring, according to building committee Chairman Ted Jones.
Jones said the cost to date for the lot, which will include steps and a ramp, has reached $20,500.
“We have an estimate of $12,400 for paving and hope we can get that done along with the steps and ramp as soon as possible this summer,” Jones said.
The parking lot is being used for activities and church services at the Universalist Church, which shows that the lot is definitely going to be a boon for the community, said Rodney Abbott, chairman of the library trustees.
“This is not meant to be just for the library,” Abbott said. “It is going to be a benefit for the whole village area. When events have been held over the years at the church, historical society, Masonic hall, grange hall and other local churches, parking has been a real problem. A person can see that when he drives along Main Street when an event is going in any of these places. There’s hardly room enough to pass along the street. That is why we feel making off-street parking available for the people will become a real benefit to the town.”
The entire project is expected to cost $350,000. Officials hope to raise the capital through grants, private donations and other fund-raising efforts.
“We have a long way to go before we can begin the addition phase,” Jones said.
The planned addition will be connected to the rear of the library so it will not detract from the castle-like appearance of the existing building. It will include more book storage space, a larger computer area, office and workroom, children’s room, a handicapped-accessible restroom and an outside courtyard.
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