Black Watch Library reveals expansion plans

TICONDEROGA | When Black Watch Memorial Library recently debuted the six charming new bronze storybook sculptures gracing its grounds, the event formally ushered in a new chapter for the historic building. The beginning phase of the library's expansion is underway, which will focus on the needs of children, and better serving the community. "The library is part of the community and part of the revival of the Ticonderoga Area, and it is exciting to be a part of that," said Library Trustee Steve Boyce. "I think we are a good example and model of a successful functioning organization within the community." Built in 1905 with funds from titan of industry Andrew Carnegie and placed on the Historical Register in 1988, the one-story brick building has already undergone one addition that was completed in the early 2000s. Nearly doubling the size of the library, that addition took 25 years to raise enough capital to execute. Boyce and Library Director Heather Johns are hopeful that for the second expansion, the timeline won't be nearly as long. "There are a lot of variables right now, but hopefully we can get it started, and even if we had to phase it out over a few years, we would like to have a shovel-ready plan and get started right away," Johns said. Just like when the expansion was considered for Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant funding consideration, the title of the expansion is the "6 Carnegie Place Project," but the vision has changed slightly since the application was abandoned in the fourth round. Two attached rooms will be added to the area behind the library, one a children's library and the other a large multi-use room that will be able to be utilized by the public for their needs, be it private meetings or events, completed with a kitchenette. "We have outgrown the current children's space," Johns explained. "Our goal is to have an area where families can come in and hang out for a while. The current area is full of books and that is great, but we want tables and more interactive areas. We also would like a sensory wall with signs kids can touch and feel, and we want all the books at their eye level so the entire area is very kid-friendly." According to Johns, this past summer was the busiest summer for children and families the library has seen in the last five years, with children's book circulation off the charts in July, both locals and visitors taking advantage of the broad range of young literature available. A noticeable increase in homeschool groups coming to the library to tackle projects has also been noted. "A nice feature we also would like to add is a private study pod," Johns said. " If you were to come in here and need to make a work phone call or a Zoom meeting, the study pod would be available complete with charging access. That is one of the biggest needs I have seen in the last couple of years, a small space designated for that use. At least two to three times a week, someone comes in looking for a space that is a little less noisy. We are really excited about that feature." Butler Rowland Mays Architects, LLP will be the firm handling the expansion, as they did twenty years ago for the first time around. Not only will their existing familiarity with the building ensure the addition will seamlessly blend with the historical facade and exterior, but they also bring their expertise is grant writing to the table, which the 6 Carnegie Place Project will be heavily reliant on to pull the expansion off. An early estimate of the addition before a shovel-ready plan is in place is $2 million, a daunting- but not impossible- figure to reach. "It is important for people to know we are not looking to increase anything in their tax base or asking for money from the community," Boyce explained. " We are looking to grants and donors that are interested in helping us out." Black Watch Library recently received a $10,000 grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York that will jump-start the expansion fund. "It's wonderful to see support for small town libraries like ours, where every dollar truly makes a difference," Johns said. "We plan to use that funding as matching grants to help move the expansion forward. We intend to apply for the New York State Construction Grant through our library system. It is a great opportunity because it is a 75/25 match. We are hoping to phase it out so we can maximize the grant opportunities in the next couple years." So for example, if awarded that specific grant, if the expansion comes with a $2 million price tag, the library would be responsible for 25% of that ($500,000). "If we are considered an economically disadvantaged community, we would only have to come up with ten percent," Johns added. North Country Rural Development Coalition (NRDC) has also offered to help in the grant-writing process once the shovel-ready plan is officially in place. "We are excited about that collaboration," Boyce said. "We extend a big thank you to NRDC for what they did to jumpstart the expansion, as well as the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce. "The sculpture project was such a good example of what this community can do if people work together, it was so great to see that." And so now the challenge has yet again been laid out for the Ticonderoga community to rally together and get the new expansion underway. Residents will be able to assist in a number of ways. A survey has been created and is circulating to gain insight from library users on what they would like to see. "As we plan for new spaces and services, community input is essential," Johns said. "Our survey helps guide how we shape the library's future, ensuring it continues to be a place where everyone feels welcome, inspired, and connected." The survey is available on the Black Watch Library's Facebook page and as a hard copy in the library. The 6 Carnegie Place Project also welcomes donations and also wants volunteers to join the committee to assist with ideas and promotion of the project. The Friends of the Black Watch Library will also be enlisted to help support the expansion, and new members are always welcome within that organization as well. Their next meeting will be in December. "We also have reached out to the Town to do a mini project with our flagpole," Boyce said of the national emblem outside of the library that is raised 24/7. "In terms of flag etiquette, if a flag is flying 24 hours it needs to be lit at night. We have a solar-powered light that we are going to ask the Town to set up and mount." For more information on becoming an expansion committee member, to find out how to volunteer or donate, or to learn more about becoming a member of the Friends of Black Watch Library, please call Heather Johns at 518-585-7380, or email blackwatch@townofticonderoga.org. "We are really at the beginning of the beginning, and it is going to be an exciting trip," Boyce said.

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