Progress! Denmark Library Update

Submitted by Anna Lyle

I am writing with great news. As of Tuesday afternoon, we have enough funding to begin construction of the Denmark Library. As previously shared, increases in construction costs caused significant shortfalls in our previously balanced project budget. We have been working for about a year with our State Senators and Representatives, County Commissioners, and County Finance staff to increase funding for the project. (See the Denmark label on the staff blog for past articles related to the Denmark Library.)

No changes have been made to the building design since it was presented at Staff Day and shared on the staff blog. It will be a little smaller than the Hampton Park and Post Road libraries. In addition to the features you would expect, this building will be the first FCPL branch to offer drive-through holds pick-up for maximum convenience and accessibility.

Unfortunately, we have had to eliminate the planned outdoor library spaces: a terrace for teens and adults, an enclosed children’s educational area with interactive elements, and an amphitheater for programs and community use. A paved trail was planned to connect to Denmark High School and encircle most of the building. In addition to these elements, we have eliminated all landscaping–including irrigation–except what is required by code.

It is our hope and intention to obtain the funds necessary to add these elements back to the project prior to opening the library. However, this is not guaranteed.

So, what happens now?

We are executing the contract this week. It will take the General Contractor (Albion) about a month to secure the required bonding and mobilize their team. We expect to see activity on the site by the second week in July. 

When will the Denmark Library open to the public?

Construction will take at least one year; Albion estimates 13 months. It will also take several additional weeks for staff to prepare the library for opening. So, best case scenario, we could be ready to open as early as October 2024. If patrons ask, please tell them we expect to open the Denmark Library in late 2024 or early 2025. Timing will depend on many variables, including weather during construction, settlement of the soil, supply chain issues, and funding to hire new staff and operate the library.

When will you hire staff for the Denmark Library?

We will not have a timeline for hiring staff until we are well into construction–maybe early 2024. We will hire staff weeks before the opening in order to provide training and to have time to prepare the library for opening. The Denmark Library will be staffed with a combination of experienced and new staff.

Any additional questions? Please ask!