Wednesday, May 6, 2009

MBLC Grant process and the Building Process

MBLC Grant process and the Building Process
Patience Jackson and Rosemary Waltos,
Much information is found on the MBLC's web pages:
The Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program: State Construction Funds For Public Libraries http://mblc.state.ma.us/grants/construction/program/construction.php
MBLC also sponsors a good peer to peer email list.
http://mblc.state.ma.us/grants/construction/list/index.php

Patience Jackson, MBLC's Building Consultant.
MBLC, since 1985 has funded over 200 construction projects. Bolton, Mashpee, Dudley, Cambridge are currently under construction. The state share is generally 35% to 60% of the funding. Falmouth finished, Northboro, Mattapan.
Building Program must be prepared by the Library Director. Plan needs to encompass the next 20 years.
Site plan, a detailed schematic with renderings of the final project are required. The budget must be prepared independent of the auditor. Eligible items include: Architect consultant, demolition, repairs to old building Project funding 35 -40% Funding cannot include such items as landscaping. Reviewers include MBLC, an architect, Massachusetts librarians who have had successful building program, and a board member.

New construction typically increases circulation 21-40% Attendance usually increases 90%, Reference traffic 22% Adult program attendance more than doubles.

Rosemary Waltos. MBLC Small Libraries Consultant, speaking about Planning and Design Grants and the Green Building program.
For libraries in hardship categories and for those serving under 10,000 population.
Meant to assist libraries in putting together a Building program, hiring architect, site recommendations, prepare site plan and schematic design. Also assist in hiring a cost estimator. No plans for a future grant round.

Green Libraries. Environmentally responsible, healthy public meeting place and cost effective sustainability. LEED certification is a goal for green libraries. See LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovation Project Scorecard. www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=5719

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