In response to rapid residential growth and escalating demands for state-of-the-art services, Victor Farmington Library leaders will soon unveil plans for a new 24,000 square-foot facility at 160 School St. in the village of Victor.
The library’s existing 8,900-square-foot facility at 15 W. Main St. was designed in 1996 to serve up to 15,000 people. But due to a three decades-long population surge in Victor and Farmington, some 25,000 residents now depend on the library for their education, research, casual reading and internet needs, according to Library Director Tim Niver.
“A modern, larger library will allow us to offer the materials, programs, and activities that Victor and Farmington residents want and expect,” said Niver.
In 2017, VFL Board of Trustees members began exploring options for the future and eventually enlisted Rochester’s HBT Architects to create design development drawings for a new facility. Library leaders have also teamed up with the Rochester-based construction management team, The Pike Company, to make final design decisions to reduce the overall price.
“Building a library that will serve both Victor and Farmington for generations to come — and keep costs reasonable for taxpayers — has been a top priority,” said Library Board President James R. Myers. “The design incorporates a variety of features that everyone can find useful. We’re excited that the proposed library will bring new opportunities to Victor and Farmington residents of all ages.”
Specific plans, costs, benefits and impacts — including proposed tax rate — will be finalized and shared in the coming days, Myers said. In the meantime, updates with the latest numbers and insights will be posted regularly at victorfarmingtonlibrary.org/new.
Residents are also invited to ask questions and give input at information sessions on Tuesday, March 15, 6 p.m. at Farmington Town Hall, and on Tuesday, March 30, 7 p.m. at Victor Town Hall. The meetings are in person, but those wishing to participate via Zoom should register online at victorfarmingtonlibrary.org/event-calendar.
Ultimately, voters will weigh in on May 17 to determine whether the new 24,000-square-foot facility moves forward. If approved, the 160 School St. property would be purchased in mid-2022 and current tenants relocated. Demolition could begin in early 2023, and construction would likely take at least a year, with a grand opening targeted for spring 2024.
“Throughout this process the library board has gathered input from residents”, said Myers. “The majority of the people we’ve spoken with have expressed enthusiasm. However, if the larger library is voted down, our option to purchase the property at 160 School St. will expire, and the library will remain in its current location for the foreseeable future.”
The Library vote, Victor Central School Budget vote and BOE election will take place Tuesday, May 17, 6 a.m. to 9.m. It will be held at Victor Primary School Gymnasium at 953 High Street in Victor. Info sessions will take place on Tuesday, March 15, 6 p.m. at Farmington Town Hall and Tuesday, March 30, 7 p.m. at Victor Town Hall; register at victorfarmingtonlibrary.org/event-calendar to participate via Zoom. More information can be found at victorfarmingtonlibrary.org/new
Features:
- Room for 25 percent more books, movies, and materials
- Café
- Comfortable spaces to read
- Outdoor reading garden
- Separate children’s area
- Drive-Up book drop
- Teaching kitchen
- Green/sustainable features
- Outdoor event space
- Room for a permanent used book sale
- Community room that seats more than 100
- Room for students, tutors, and meetings
- Ample parking
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