Project Priorities

This project was developed through years of research and work and is designed  for the future of Southington. The Project will address 5 major issues, in addition to allowing library services to grow with our population and needs. For more information on how these priorities were identified, please review the Demonstration of Need page. 

Expanded Space for Children's and Teens

Children
  • Shelving units are too tall for kids.
  • Little to no display space.
  • Lack of places for parents to sit.
  • The area is easily overcrowded before and after events.
Teens
  • Too close to quiet spaces.
  • Doesn’t provide adequate space for both active and study spaces.

Meeting and Workspaces for Individuals and Groups

  • There aren't enough tables and chairs to meet the current demand. 
  • Seating is grouped together in tight locations, such as the cafe area and mezzanine. 
  • Groups working quietly still disturb others. 
  • An enlarged program room will seat more people and host larger events, keeping noisy activities out of the cafe corner.

Acoustical Separation for Noisy and Quiet Spaces

  • Groups working quietly still disturb others. 
  • The most frequent complaint is that the Library is too loud. With multiple tutoring sessions and others working together, it can get distracting.
  • Space is also needed for quiet reading, privacy, and individualized work.

Fully Accessible & Code Compliant

Accessibilities (Americans with Disabilities Act)
  • Not all of the Southington Library is accessible to everyone.
  • ​Aisles, bathrooms, elevator, and entrances are not fully accessible. 
    • ​Space between aisles should be 36"- 42" but our shelves are as narrow as 23''- 28'' in places.
    • The elevator is too small to maneuver wheelchairs.
    • ​The bathrooms do not have wide enough doors and do not have enough maneuvering clearance.
Fire Code
  • Many doors and interior walls do not meet fire codes.
  • As Fire Codes have changed over the years, program space capacity has also shrunk. This means that fewer people can benefit from the program and event opportunities than even a few years previous due to our limited space.
Building Code
  • Mechanical room drainage and other elements do not meet current building codes. 

Efficient Building Systems

  • Infrastructure elements such as the HVAC, plumbing, and electric systems are far past their expected lifespan and require costly annual repairs.