Southington Library Seeks Opinions On New Furniture

Jun 13, 2023

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Plans to build a new Southington Public Library are finally underway, even though the project has had its fair shair of ups and downs.

But with some of that controversy now in the rearview mirror, library officials are asking for the public's help in yet another major library decision — what kind of tables and chairs will adorn the new facility, which is slated to open in December 2024.

The library posted a request Wednesday for folks to come on down to the 255 Main St. library and take a test ride, so to speak, on various furniture options.

Library officials said they're looking for people to take a "sit test" and help project organizers pick the most-desired furniture models at the new location.

Given what the town went through in approving public funding for the project and, then, the actually project itself at the zoning board level, it's hoped the process toward deciding furniture will be smoother.

In November 2021, voters approved spending $16.9 million for a 30,000-square-foot library for a project deemed necessary to meet fire and building codes, provide modern services and amenities and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

But throughout 2022, town and library officials learned cost overruns associated with the ever-present supply chain and inflation issues meant the $16.9 million could only fund a 24,000-square-foot building.

After much debate about whether to seek more funding from voters for a 30,000-square-foot library, it was decided to, simply, build to the amount of cash approved at the polls.

The Southington Public Library has received the approval it needs from zoning officials to start building a new $16.9 million facility this year.

But the recent 5-2 Southington Planning and Zoning Commission vote approving a special permit to build the library hardly came with a ringing endorsement from members.

In fact, some members — even those who voted "yes" — said plans for the building and its new sign, simply put, are "ugly."

For more information on the Southington Public Library, click on this link.

From April 19: 'Southington PZC Rips Library Building Plans, But Still OKs Project'