Addison Township library officials are encouraging residents to attend a Monday, March 4 meeting and share their thoughts regarding the design of a proposed facility. The meeting will have an open-house feel and people will be able to visit the library anytime between 5-8 p.m.

“When I look at this library project, it’s for the library but the library is for the public,” said James Elsarelli, the library board member at the head of the construction committee. “So I want to make sure what we’re putting into this building reflects what the community wants to see.”

The board had a topographical survey done by NF Engineering of the library-owned 3.8-acre site directly across the street from the library’s current location at 1400 Rochester Rd. The site currently accounts for a 5,000 square foot building along with a parking lot. It is planned for most, if not all, funds to come from the library’s approximately $400,000 in savings. Officials do not plan on seeking a millage.

So far, officials have identified a need for land leveling and some tree removal, but Elsarelli stressed that the spot’s integrity won’t be compromised.

“Tree removal is necessary, but we’re going to keep it at a minimum,” he said. “We’re not going to remove anything we don’t need to.”

As for the rest of the 3.8 acres, which includes a sliver of property on Lakeville Lake, officials are unsure what will happen to it. Once construction begins, it will be easier for the board to see if the land should be kept or sold.

“It creates a lot of opportunity for considerable recreation use in the future that could be considered,” said Library Director Jaema Berman.

Attendees of the meeting will also be able to let officials know if they would like the library to have a more traditional or contemporary look. The outside sign’s design will also be open to suggestion.

Though two conceptual drawings of a building will be shown, they are merely to show people what a modern or traditional design could look like. Neither are being formally considered at this time and the design of the chosen style will, officials say, likely change from a great deal from what is presented at the meeting as the project moves forward and the public’s ideas are considered.

When it comes to the inside of the library, officials are hoping to include private meeting rooms, a “dedicated meeting area” for the library’s programs, more seating, more space for computers and more square footage for books, movies and audiobooks.

To accommodate every kind of library user, officials are also considering added space for technology and a charging station for laptops, cellphones and the like.

As for the staff, they would like to see the new facility have a little more room for storage and added clarity between sections. For instance, officials are considering having children, “tween”, teen and adult sections as opposed to just children and adult.

While they have their own ideas, Berman and the board want to hear the public’s opinions on March 4. The meeting will have an “open house” atmosphere so people can come and go as it is convenient.

“People can show up whenever they want,” Elsarelli said. “We’re trying to accommodate to people who work. We don’t want to have a set meeting and have somebody not be able to make the time.”

Attendees are welcome to bring their ideas, questions and concerns for the board and Berman to hear.

“We’re trying to build it for the community, and to be able to build it for them we need their input,” Elsarelli said.

“This is their library, we want it to reflect the community, their interests and their future,” Berman added. “We also want to be as transparent as possible in this project so they know what’s happening when it happens.”

After receiving public input, officials will have a better idea of what kind of facility should be built and the type of services that should be offered. The board will then pursue a more concrete budget and design for the building as well.

Residents are welcome to email their ideas, questions and concerns to the board at addisontwplibrary@gmail.com. People can also stay up to date on project developments, learn more about the library, donate funds or get involved at the library’s website.