Renovation Information & Updates – Baldwin Public Library

Posted on October 25, 2022January 16, 2026 by jvon

✓ March 18, 2025: Construction has offically begun on the 2nd floor. Please excuse any noise while we make your library even better than before.

Parking in the Town lot by the Library's main entrance is limited due to construction. Please note that you may park behind the firehouse on the west side of Grand Avenue, right across the street from the Library. We apologize for the inconvenience.

✓ January 6, 2025: The first phase of the Library’s renovation will begin and most of the upper level will be closed off to the public for safety. It is expected that the upper level of the mezzanine (part of the Nonfiction collection) will remain accessible.

The Fiction collection will be moved downstairs, as will the public computers.

The Library apologizes for the inconveniences that are sure to arise during this project, but the new and refurbished spaces – including but not limited to a second large meeting room, several small study / meeting rooms, a larger room for teens, and a renovated Children’s Room - will be worth the wait.

You asked, we delivered. The Plan includes:

• Larger Play Area for Children
• More sunlight in the Children’s Room
• Dedicated Baldwin History Room
• Larger Arts and Crafts Room
• Teen Zone that is double the current size
• A Large Community Room on the Second Floor
• Several Individual and Small Group Rooms for use by people studying or working remotely
• A Makerspace (including a 3D printer, Cricut, and other technology)
• Podcast / Video Room
• Gaming Room
• More comfortable seating throughout the building
• A new HVAC system to replace the one that is at end-of-life

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Why is the Library being expanded?

The Library is not being expanded. All of the renovations will be within the present footprint. The raw space on the upper floor has been known as the “Expansion Area,” which we admit may have caused some confusion.

Q. Why do we need to renovate the Library?

The last time the Library had a major building project was 20 years ago. At that time, we lacked sufficient funds in the bond to finish a large (7,900 sq. ft.) section of the upper floor. This area was left as raw space, but it was always intended to be built out for the community’s use. In response to input from the community (a survey and several design planning meetings), we have designed an upper floor that includes a large community room, a smaller meeting room, several individual and small group rooms, a makerspace, a teen zone that is double the current size, and much more.

We also have some pressing infrastructure needs that have been included in the bond: the replacement of all HVAC units and a partial roof replacement, both of which are at the end of their useful lives.

Q. But why renovate the first floor?

Again, the last time the Library had a major renovation was 20 years ago. Libraries are used differently now. Over and over, we have been asked for a Children’s Room with more natural light, a bigger play area, and better sightlines. We have been asked for more comfortable seating. We have been asked for a Baldwin History Room, a dedicated Passport office, and a better social work office. We have been asked for a better space for arts and crafts, the workshops we offer and community meetups. We will be able to do all of this and more in the plan that has been created.

Q. Will library users lose the use of the library during construction?

No. The Baldwin Public Library has always made a commitment to continuity of service when we have had construction. This may include some rearrangement of services, but we will be here for you.

Q. What is the time frame for construction?

The construction is expected to take 24 months.

Q. How much will it cost?

The estimated cost to a typical household will be $98 per year or slightly over $8 per month. The total amount to be financed by the bond will be $11,600,000.

Q. How long will the term of the bond be?

The term will be 15 years.

Q. Can the amount of the bond be increased?

It cannot be increased once it is approved by the community.

Q. What about inflation?

Inflation has been factored into the bond.

Q. Isn’t the Library part of the School District? Why don’t the Schools give you the money?

While the Library is chartered to serve all residents of the School District, we are a separate and distinct entity with our own elected Board and budget that is voted on by the community. The Library has exclusive control of the property and is required to maintain it.

A Few Comments from the Community:

“There is so much that you do for the community. Please continue helping the needy. I appreciated having books delivered to me after surgery.”

“We need more non-transactional social spaces in town. Please create community spaces that can be reserved by local groups or programmed to host a wide variety of meet-ups.”

“An inviting Children’s space helps create lifelong readers.”