A 21st century public library is more than just books. It is a community gathering space for discussions, innovative learning, creative environments, new technology, community groups, business resources, and a place to preserve history. The future library will take a balanced approach to offering new technology such as e-books, online access to legal forms and magazines, while continuing to maintain traditional library services such as books, audiobooks, movies, and music.

The Union Vale Town Board has pledged the $450,000 in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds given to the town post-Covid. That dollar amount was pledged because the roof will have to be replaced and that is approximately the amount of the replacement, which the town will have to undertake regardless. A supplemental benefit to putting the library above the Senior Center is that the entire space will have to be upgraded. New proper weight-bearing walls, a new entranceway, and a new ceiling, certainly. The Architect’s presentation illustrated the additive value of such a space, the Town Board has been extremely supportive recognizing that the adaptive reuse of the barn for the Union Vale Library will bring much needed attention to the entire complex.

Renovation costs are estimated by the Architect to be $1.5M including furnishings. The Library Fundraising Committee intends to raise 100% of these funds through donations to avoid burdening the tax payers with debt

While the renovation costs are expected to be fully funded by donations, the operating costs will come out of the Town’s annual budget. While we would like to be precise, it is too early to know what the costs will be. It may be that additional taxes will not be needed initially, and then as time goes by and residents refine their customization interests, taxes will be raised to meet those goals. Certainly, the taxes raised in Union Vale, if necessary, will be due to Union Vale residents’ interests and approval and not those of the residents of other towns

We anticipate raising the money and starting construction within twelve months. The public will have many opportunities to comment and influence the design process, which could elongate the timeline in a positive way. Initially, the Library Fundraising Committee members will keep the public up to date on progress, then ultimately new Library Trustees will give regular updates.

The proposed library site is above the Senior Center at 8 Tymor Park Road in the unfinished second floor of an old dairy barn. While this is a town owned space it has never been fully functional. The capital campaign gives residents a significant philanthropic opportunity to help establish a library that was the dream of Ralph Connor and his wife Jean Webster, the donors of Tymor Park & Forest to the Town of Union Vale. Recognition will be offered to donors and naming opportunities will be available at many levels, from the walkway bricks to the Reading Silo, Cyber Café or an entire room

The Union Vale Library Fund has set a fundraising goal of $1,500,000 in the form of tax- deductible donations and grants.

A library is a wonderful asset for a small town. It often results in enhanced property values as a contributor to the quality of life of an entire community. To some, a library will make Union Vale a better place to live. It will also provide an updated, beautiful new building including a Cyber Café resulting in a true community gathering space for our already gem of a Park. We expect and hope that many residents will choose to donate something to the library, in the form of naming opportunities such as walkway bricks with your family’s name on it, so you can be a permanent part of a pivotal moment in Union Vale’s history

The Union Vale Library Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization so donations are eligible for a tax deduction. Please contact your accountant or tax advisor for more information.