New Greenfield library sees shortfall for furniture, fixtures

By MARY BYRNE

Staff Writer

Published: 04-09-2023 6:55 PM

GREENFIELD — Although between $1.25 and $1.4 million was expected to be unspent in the construction budget for the new Greenfield Public Library, some of that money may need to fund a $158,000 shortfall in the expense line dedicated to furniture, fixtures and expenses.

During a budget update at last week’s Library Building Committee meeting, member Amy Moscaritolo explained this additional $158,000 would cover the cost of custodial supplies, as well as 21 staff computers, 45 public computers, eight catalog computers, 11 mounted monitors and other computer-related expenses. Project Manager Daniel Pallotta of P-Three Inc. noted that because technology isn’t reimbursable through the $9.4 million Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners grant, it will have to come from the city’s contribution.

Barring unforeseen complications, the new Main Street library — which boasts 26,800 square feet over the current library’s 15,000 square feet — is slated to open to the public in June. A moving company is expected to transfer the collection from one library to the other in May.

Greenfield voters approved building a new library with a 61% positive vote in 2019 — seven years after the vision for a new library was first discussed. Of the total $19.5 million cost, $9.4 million comes from the state grant. The Greenfield Public Library Foundation is contributing about $2 million, reducing the city’s cost to $8.1 million.

Pallotta, who opened last week’s meeting with a report to Library Building Committee members that he anticipated between $1.25 and $1.4 million of the budget to be unexpended, said it would likely be closer to $1.1 and $1.25 million, given the additional funds needed for the furniture, fixtures and expenses account.

“When we came to you before, we were facing increasing prices in furniture,” commented Library Director Ellen Boyer. “These are now supplies we feel we need to open the makerspace.”

In addition to a “low-tech makerspace” for adult crafts, the new building will include two public meeting rooms that will be available for use after library hours, a cafe-like setup near the front entrance with a vending machine managed by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, two patios for patron use and a local history room, the contents for which are presently housed in the attic of the current library.

Absent a line on the agenda, however, committee members agreed that a list of needs through the furniture, fixtures and expenses account should be put together for review at a meeting this week.

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Pallotta questioned whether some of these expenses would be more appropriate as part of the city’s operating budget.

“I understand you need the parts and pieces … and the materials for the makerspace. Wouldn’t that be the operating budget?” Pallotta asked. “What are you going to do when you’re done?”

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.

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