By Rikki Cason<br><a href="mailto:rikki.cason@journal-register.com">E-mail Rikki</a>
ALBION — The Swan Library has taken the next step in making a new building a reality. Recently hiring King and King Architects LLP, of Syracuse, the firm will begin to gather information and input on what the library and committee would like to see in the building.
Chairman of the library campaign committee Dick Remley said the firm has worked with schools and libraries across the state. He said the lead architect is an Albion graduate, which gives the project a hometown touch.
“Our critical next step is concept drawings and site plans,” Remley said. “That will allow us to proceed further with the financial side of the project.”
The new, single-story building will take the library from 6,000 square feet to between 12,000 and 14,000 square feet.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do because we’d love to put a shovel in the ground toward the very end of this year,” Remley said.
The building plans will also feature plenty of parking, something the 4 N. Main St. location is lacking.
“Just having those things — the single floor, the parking, the ability for people to get in — will mean our services are going to naturally expand,” said Director Susan Rudnicky.
With the new building being on a 2.1-acre lot, Rudnicky said there will be a great deal of parking and a green space. The library staff would also like to add a drive-up book drop, an idea that is impossible at the current location.
Inside, the building will feature wide open spaces, giving more room for books and computers. Small meeting spaces are also hoped to be added into the plans, so tutors or small groups have a place to meet.
“More space for the collection and for the computers is huge,” Rudnicky said. “And the all on one floor part. Where people can walk in, take their wheelchair and walkers. You can get in without having to use any steps.”
There will also be more space for the library’s audio-visual collection to expand, including DVDs and books on CD. According to Rudnicky, this service is growing, and even though AV items only make up 10 percent of the library’s overall collection, it makes up 25 percent of its total circulation.
A larger area for the staff to sit and process books is also needed, said Rudnicky.
Still up in the air, both Remley and Rudnicky would like to see their former building be used as a museum/archival space or historical society building. Once moved, Swan Library will be keeping the building and housing some of their collection and furniture that will not be used in with the new location.
“We’ve also heard back from the community that the building not be left to disrepair,” Remley said. “It’s a beautiful old home.”
Rudnicky would like to keep the Civil War collection there so people could go and view the items. She also would like for it to be open when tourists come from the Erie Canal, so that they could learn more about Albion and its history.
“It needs to be kept up,” she said. “It needs to be retained as a public building that people can still use.”
Contact reporter Rikki Cason at 798-1400, ext. 8227.
