This was the first step in a feasibility study for the library project. Interviews lasted about 45 minutes, and were done confidentially with each person. The results of those interviews were shared with the Library Museum Board at its regular meeting.
"It was the consensus from our initial meetings that this project was beyond the scope of our trying to do the project ourselves considering the time involved and the lack of experience in running a capital campaign," said Ron Steinhorst, president of the library board. "Once the city granted us the $20,000 to do the feasibility study, it was decided to put on hold our group meetings until we had research and input from the campaign organizers."
American City Bureau recommended the board move forward with planning and prioritizing the most important current and projected future services of the library and museum. Once initial planning is completed, all options should be considered, including redesigning current spaces to meet needs, expansion at the current site and/or relocation. They suggested the board consider opportunities to partner with retail or residential developers to maximize operational and cost benefits.
To finalize the plan would come next, with a capital development study, identifying a capital campaign goal and addressing support from the city.
American City Bureau believes there is a legitimate and viable project here for the library/museum and the City of New London. With a little more time and planning, they believe the right plan at the right time for long term sustainability can be accomplished.
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