Members of the public came with their ideas, concerns and questions to the Addison Township Library’s open house on the evening of March 4. The open house welcomed community members to put in their two cents when it came to the style and offerings of the proposed new library.

Two design options were presented to attendees: a “traditional” style and a more “contemporary” look.

Though the two 3D designs were purely conceptual, they gave people an idea of what the library could look like.

The interior layout and cost of both designs were relatively the same, and the meeting was mainly to get the pulse of design preferences. Library Director Jaema Berman, library board member James Elsarelli and architect John Danckaert were on site to answer questions and take opinions.

The meeting was prefaced by the board’s desires of having things like more square footage, more space for books and technology, private meeting rooms, more clarity between sections and added storage space in a new facility. The community shared many of those desires.

Opinions were split on which design would be best, but many said they want a new facility to fit the style and heart of the township. Not too traditional, but not too modern either.

“I don’t mind the inside of either one of them, but I would like the outside to look like it belongs here, not ultramodern,” said Addison resident Nancy Flatt.

A few residents noted their approval of the traditional concept.

“I would probably lean more toward traditional of these two, but these are only conceptual,” Lakeville resident Linda Hodges said. “But usually, I go for modern.”

“It looks like it’s got better lighting from the top,” Leonard resident Chuck Meininger later said of the traditional concept.

Others appreciated the contemporary design’s look and the concept’s friendliness to tricky weather conditions and possible expansions down the road.  A few people said they want the library to stand out and not just look like another building in town.

Residents did enjoy that no matter what it looks like, it won’t be hard to find if it’s built just across the street from where the library is currently located at 1400 Rochester Rd.

“I love that it’s going to be just down the street,” Nancy Flatt said.

But, most people cared about what’s inside more than anything.

“The exterior is just that,” Addison resident Reuben Flatt said. “It doesn’t really contribute to the function of the library… I just want it to function, that’s what I’m looking for.”

The biggest suggestion from the public was the same need the board has voiced since this project was started: a community room for events. Right now, there is no separation between areas in the library and events are often held during hours of operation, which has caused a few headaches.

“I remember in the old library, there was no space and since this one has been here I have seen so much more community and more activity,” Leonard resident Esther Reynolds said. “I can only imagine what would happen with more space.”

“I love all of our books, and I would like to have maybe a community room,” Nancy Flatt said. “We came here for a beer and chocolate tasting, and it would be nice to have an activity room.”

“They do so many activities here, and some nights there’s a group over here and a group over there and a group there and then people come in and there’s like no space,” said Linda Meininger, of Leonard.

Even though things got a bit tight, citizens expressed their appreciation for Berman’s efforts to have events that are friendly to every kind of library user. With the hopes of having more of those events, a community room is also a big want from the library’s staff.

“The community room is number one,” said staffer Gerylann McBride. “Whenever we have activities, we’re always (in the middle of the library) and it’s difficult if we have patrons who come in to look at the materials where everyone is.”

People also want to see a room or open space where children can enjoy story time, and staff are hoping for added storage and work space.

“It would be nice to have a work area that we have access to behind the desk,” McBride said.

Added space for the library’s bread and butter, the books and movies, was also in high demand.

“Sometimes some of those areas are so hard to fit books in.They’re so tightly packed… More space is definitely something we need,” Linda Meininger, who volunteers with the library, said.

Though opinions were mixed, many attendees voiced thankfulness that Berman and the library board thought to hear the community’s opinions. Several singled out Berman for her leadership of the library.

“We have the best library director,” Linda Hodges said.

“Jaema just does such a good job of keeping this place alive,” Reuben Flatt said.