News Flash

NEW LIBRARY LOCATION EARNS RAVE REVIEWS

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (OCTOBER 16, 2024) – Sue Connor could see the future right before her.

Standing in the middle of a collection of unused office cubicles and looking towards the southwest corner of 110 Enterprise Center, Connor said potential layouts were already being considered for the new home of the Middletown Public Library.

“This is all preliminary, but we’re thinking the children’s room could go there,” the assistant director of the Middletown Public Library said, excitement and energy in her voice. “There’s a door right there and look at all the natural light (from the large skylight) we’d get here for the kids. It’s perfect.”

Connor was far from the only one who was elated about the prospects for the one-story brick, concrete and mortar 29,000-square-foot plus building within footsteps of Town Hall during a recent tour.

Many were seeing the inside of the former office building for the first time and based on the comments and body language, it seemed like the group realized it was on the verge of something special — not only for the library, but all of Middletown.

Lois Murray — treasurer of The Friends of the Middletown Public Library and manager of the bookstore inside the front door at its current home at 700 West Main Road — said she couldn’t find one thing wrong with 110 Enterprise for the library.

Big deal, right? Who’s Murray, just some volunteer on a library board? Actually, her word should carry a lot of weight as a Realtor for three decades, with 17 years in property management.

“I am so, so excited here,” Murray said, standing inside the front entrance after an hour-long visit. “When you drive up, the arms come out and say ‘Welcome home!’ It has such great curb appeal and is so inviting and it’s even better inside. I can’t find one thing wrong with it. The town hit six home runs with this one.”

Others spoke about how the building and grounds before them were far better than anything they could have dreamed at 740 West Main Road. That’s where a two-story 30,000-square-foot building at the northern section of the “Middletown Center” project was envisioned to replace part of the old Kennedy School.

But in recent months, local leaders have admitted having second thoughts about that West Main location because the projected $32 million price tag there before reimbursements. 

Concerned it would also be years before the library could get started and might throw a wrench into the “Middletown Center” public-private partnership, they shifted gears when learning 110 Enterprise was on the market. 

The Town Council announced on Oct. 7 about the agreement to buy 110 Enterprise for $3.3 million. That deal is expected to be finalized soon, one that’s projected to save Middletown at least $14 million.

The way it’s laid out up front, the project won’t hit the tax rate or cost local property owners a cent in new taxes. That’s because the town will use a mix of debt rolling off the books and money from the town’s 50-year agreement for emergency services to the Balfour Beatty Communities neighborhoods off Coddington Highway and Greene Lane to cover the expenses. 

Library friends member Dorrie Baernthaler said it was the first time she’d been inside 110 Enterprise — and she was extremely impressed.

“The fact there’s actual space for library programing is so wonderful,” Baernthaler said. “Coming up the front walk, the grounds are lovely and it gets even better inside. It’s clearly a well built building and I can’t say enough about what this will do for us as an organization.”

Library Board of Trustees members Anna Anton, Anthony Ciulla and Dr. William Haffner-Jones agreed.

“This is the first time I’ve ever been (inside the building,” Anton said. “I’m very impressed with the potential here and it’s a very good location. I also have to say I love that the farmer’s market already uses the parking lot. That’s certainly a plus.”

“It’s amazing,” Ciulla said before entering the dedicated break room that had the feel of a nice coffee shop. “(The building) just keeps going and going. I can’t believe it.”

“It’s got everything you could ever want for our library,” Jones said. “Most importantly, there’s plenty of space and this is far better than anything we could ever do on West Main Road. The location is certainly very attractive. It’s got plenty of parking. When it comes down to it, it’s got everything.”

When the group was led into the loading dock area, everyone joked with the Realtor Murray that she got her No. 1 priority.

In response, Murray explained the current library had no real space to work on and maintain books, accept deliveries or store extras or supplies. She also said the library rents a storage unit at a nearby facility to keep donations and other items there’s no room for at 700 West Main.

“I know it’s something most people don’t really think about, but if you don’t have a space like this, you’re not doing the library, its staff and its patrons justice,” Murray said, the large garage door open letting fresh air inside. “We have delivery people constantly tromping through the front door and creating wear and tear on the building because we don’t have any other option. Look at the room here to store our books and fix them. I’m calling dibs on this room.”

At the end of the tour, the assistant library director Connor and Director Kimberly Usselman said their good spirits about the move were boosted even more. That’s because the feedback was so overwhelmingly positive.

“Sometimes, you don’t know if it’s just you, but this building checks every one of our boxes and more,” Usselman said. “After hearing the same thing from everyone who’s gone through the building, it’s clear this is the right move. We’d never, ever be able to do the same thing on West Main Road, not even close no matter how hard we tried. This is a better building in a better location. Everything about it is better.”

Both thanked the sellers Embrace Home Loans for being so generous and easy to work with on the project. 

Before COVID-19 struck, approximately 200 employees worked in the building within a stone’s throw of the company’s corporate headquarters at 25 Enterprise Center. But after the worldwide pandemic, a company official said those who returned to the office now are in the main building or other locations, making 110 Enterprise surplus.

Instead of selling off the furniture and other items, Embrace has offered up most to the town and its library for free as part of the agreement. This includes everything from ergonomic desk chairs and other pieces to the high-end reverse osmosis water system.

“Embrace Home Loans couldn’t be any better to us,” Usselman said. “They understand what we’re trying to do here and they’re being so, so supportive. It seems like they’re as excited for it to become a library as we are.”

According to the latest plans, the town would like to see the location be the new Middletown Public Library within two years. Under that schedule, the redesign process was expected to take about six months and renovations about a year. 

Approximately $7.5 million  has been reserved for that work. Town officials have said that won’t add anything new to the tax rate, similar to how the Middletown Police Station on Valley Road and renovations to the Middletown Fire Station and Public Works facility were covered.

“Every time I walk through, I get new ideas for what we can do here,” Connor said. “Everyone knows libraries are changing and we’re able to give our patrons and the community what it really needs. Meeting spaces, places to gather, a community room. I can’t wait.”

Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-New-Library

About Middletown

The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.

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