| To make
a donation or for more information, please contact
Mary Vinton
with the Greenwich Library.
Click here for latest Byram Shubert Library update.
About the Library
The Byram Shubert Library is a
well-respected, highly valued community resource that continues
to demonstrate its importance to the community through the
programs, resources and services it provides. Library use has
increased dramatically over the last three years as the staff
has worked to improve collections, offer more programs and
create an attractive and welcoming environment for people of all
ages. Because the Library is easily accessible and conveniently
located, it attracts residents who might find the Main Library
too large and intimidating. Currently, the Library is open
five days a week for a total of thirty-nine hours. The existing
facility houses a collection of approximately 30,000 print and
non-print materials.
About the Expansion Project
In its current condition, the
Byram Shubert Library is unable to satisfactorily offer visitors
superior programs and services. There are no specific areas
deemed for use by adults, teens or children. There are only 10
computer stations, and patrons are often frustrated by having to
wait hours for access. This problem is compounded when students
flock to the Library after school. The influx of young adults,
teens and children to the Library after 3 p.m. generally drives
the adults away. Additionally, the staff is frustrated by their
inability to assist patrons due to the physical constraints of
the building and the lack of resources available due to the
overcrowding of materials.
Although the Hispanic population
has a significant presence among users, the Library is not
equipped at this time to offer them meaningful opportunities for
personal and/or professional growth. There are no regularly
scheduled ESL programs or Internet training sessions; print and
audio/video materials in the Spanish or Portuguese language are
lacking; and signage in Spanish is almost non-existent.
The restrooms and a majority of
the shelving are not ADA compliant, making navigating the
Library a daunting task for anyone with physical limitations.
Expanding the Byram Shubert
Library at this time will allow it to become even more of a hub
of intellectual and cultural activity than it is now, despite
its limitations. Because the Library is a central landmark in
the community, visitors come for a multitude of reasons. Some
patrons come to use the computers, others come to browse new
books or even meet as representatives of local social or town
organizations. Because of the Library’s proximity to the New
Lebanon, Hamilton Avenue and Glenville schools, young adults,
teens and children come to the Library on a daily basis after
school to do homework, work in study groups or share time with
friends.
Adding to the current building,
while at the same time preserving the existing architectural
ambiance, will provide the service population with a reassurance
that while the mission and vision of the Library will remain
intact, the quality of programs and services will continue to
flourish. |
Additional Resources:
Complete Building Program Document
Construction Timeline
History of the
Byram Shubert Library
(1MB)
Click here for latest Byram Shubert Library update.
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