Proposed Plans For Chatham Library Revealed - What Do You Think?

With its main area constructed in 1924, the joint library of the Chathams has been a historic institution for both municipalities for nearly a century.

Nine additions have been made in six different years between 1940 and 2004, and now the board of trustees is eyeing a major floor plan change to better utilize the building’s space, and asking the public to weigh in.

The plans are now available online, and the board is asking for feedback via email at feedback@chathamlibrary.org.

The plans list advantages and disadvantages to the proposed changes. The advantages include:

• Enclosed Collaborative Teen Space
• Enhanced Local History Room
• Added private study rooms
• Business Center
• Combination STEM / Meeting Room
• Improved lines of sight and walkways
• Custodian’s storage moved so programs and meetings are not interrupted by maintenance needs
• Community Room larger with clearer lines of sight around structural columns
• A/V in one area instead of across an aisle
• Separate Children’s Activity Room
• Children’s Librarian will face entrance
• Back entrance improvements
• Energy savings with temperature controlling vestibules
• Added comfortable seating space
• Elimination of wasted space and unnecessary corridors
• Improved downstairs ventilation

The disadvantages include:

• Reconfiguring space for books in Children’s Room for some net loss (but won’t lose books)

The plans will be available for viewing in the library lobby as well, and the January newsletter will invite input from every household in Chatham Borough and Chatham Township.

See the full plans by clicking here.