06/24/08

Thomas Memorial Library Study Committee selects consultant for library study

On June 9, 2008, the Town Council authorized the Thomas Memorial Library Study Committee to move forward with the project to conduct a needs assessment and design concept for a library improvement program. A contract has been awarded by the Town of Cape Elizabeth to the library consulting firm of Himmel & Wilson of Milton, Wisc., partnering with Casaccio Architects of Haverton, Pa , and LMA Techwork of Rockford, Ill.

Funding for the study has been provided by the Thomas Memorial Library Foundation, augmented with private funds donated by the families of Marion Chase and Barbara Chase in appreciation of services provided to them by the library.

Seven firms responded to the request for proposal issued by the study committee, and the Himmel & Wilson team was selected after three firms were interviewed in Cape Elizabeth. The consultant team will make recommendations on library services and the adequacy of the library building to serve the Cape Elizabeth community for the next 30 years. A final report is due to the Town Council no later than May 1, 2009.

Input sought for needs assessment

In order to receive valuable input from the community, during the needs assessment phase of the study this summer the consultants will lead eight to 10 focus groups, which will include: general library users; pre-school and K-5 parents and children; middle- and high-school students; senior citizens; library staff; town officials; Thomas Memorial Library trustees and Thomas Memorial Library Foundation Board members; and, community and business leaders.

Anyone interested in participating in a focus group is encouraged to call the library at 799-1720 to provide their name, address, and telephone number. As the study progresses, the Cape Elizabeth community will have several additional opportunities to react to recommendations from the study committee and the consultants.

Appointed by the Town Council in November, 2007 the Thomas Memorial Library Study Committee is composed of the seven-member Thomas Memorial Library Board of Trustees, plus one representative each from the Thomas Memorial Library Foundation, the Town Council, and the Cape Elizabeth Historical Preservation Society. Leading the Study Committee are library trustees Nancy H. Marshall, chairman, and Edward L. Nadeau, secretary; with Library Director Jay Scherma as staff and resource to the committee.