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Update on the New Library Building
At its meeting of February 2023, the Town Board of Directors appointed a 13-person Building Committee with the responsibility of planning and overseeing the construction of the new Main branch of the Manchester Public Library at 1041 Main Street. The first meetings of this Library Building Committee were held March 9 and another on March 23 and it was decided that rather than retaining the architectural firm which was used during 2022 for the preliminary planning work, it would be best to initiate a Request for Proposals to seek architectural services for this next phase of work. While that is underway over the next few months, the Committee expects to review preliminary plans and consult with the Library Board, as well as to discuss how best to engage with the public and citizens of Manchester. In developing plans for the project, the Board of Directors also instructed the committee to "assess the potential for co-locating other town programs or services at the new library; and prioritize the principles of sustainability - including, but not limited to, low carbon emissions, energy efficiency, and water conservation. The Committee, with the assistance of the retained architectural firm, and after conferring with the Library Advisory Board and members of the public, shall provide appropriate sketches, schematics and detailed cost estimates of the project and its components necessary for presentation and acceptance by the Board of Directors." The instructions from the Directors also said that "The Committee shall make periodic progress reports and recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the planning and construction of the new library. The Committee may also develop plans and recommendations for the reuse of the existing Mary Cheney library building." Minutes of each Library Construction Committee meeting are posted online at https://ecode360.com/MA2034/documents/Minutes?category=Library%20Building%20Committee.
MPL is Fine Free!
If you haven't seen the signs at the Circulation Desk or heard from our staff, Manchester Public Library is now fine free! We no longer charge overdue fines on any of our materials, with the exception of museum passes, which are still $1.00 per day. Furthermore, all overdue fines for items that were late prior to this change have been waived. While patrons will continue to be billed the replacement cost for items that are not returned, which will result in being blocked from borrowing at all 32 libraries in the Greater Hartford area, once the overdue item is brought back to the library, the bill will come off your card and there will be no additional late fees. Patrons will continue to be charged a replacement fee for items that are returned damaged or missing pieces. Patrons should also be aware that this applies only to the Manchester Public Library - items checked out at other libraries in Connecticut may continue to charge late fines.
USA Today Bestselling Author Coming to MPL
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Exciting news - Connecticut resident and USA Today bestselling author Nan Rossiter will be coming to Whiton on April 17th at 6:30 p.m. for a book talk and signing! Rossiter will talk about her latest book, "A Good Measure", the third in her Savannah Skies series. Return to Tybee Island off the coast of Georgia in this heartwarming story about love, acceptance, finding your place in the world, and learning to carry on in the face of overwhelming loss. No registration is required for this free event for adults and copies of Rossiter's book will be available for purchase and signing after the event. Robyn Carr, New York Times bestselling author, says, "Sinking into a Nan Rossiter story is like coming home." Don't miss your chance to see this popular author!
In Remembrance of Marie Flynn
The library would like to acknowledge the loss of a retired staff member remembered by many library users at both buildings. Long time Reader's Advisor Marie Flynn worked with us from the late 1980's through the early 2000's. She always brought so much enthusiasm for her work in connecting library patrons with just the right book! For some of her pioneer Reader's Advisory work, she even presented workshops for both the New England and the Connecticut Library Association's members regarding the creation of book lists and pathfinders as well as how to build some of the very first websites dedicated to book advisory. She was always inspired by a guilding library principle of saving time for readers. She is missed by her family and by her library family.
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Meet Our New Teen Librarian, Andy
You may have noticed a new face in our Reference Room as of late. Our new teen librarian, Andy, joined the MPL staff in February. Andy is originally from LA but has lived all over the country, and he spent much of his formative years in NYC and CT. A life-long bookwork and devotee of movies, Andy had a short career in film/television before pursuing higher education. He has degrees in Creative Writing and Media Arts from the University of New Mexico and received his MLIS from Rutgers University. Since then, he's worked at The Watkinson Library at Trinity College, the West Hartford Libraries, and the Windsor Public Libraries. Prior to arriving in Manchester, he was the Head of Children's and Teen Services at the Tolland Library. Andy loves comics, high fantasy, and horror flicks. Drop by the library and say, "Hi," some time!
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