Consultant Kathleen K. Barger, a certified fund raising executive, reported to the Abbott Library Board of Trustees and members of the community January 27 on the feasibility and potential for a capital campaign to construct a new public library at Sunapee Harbor.
“During the months of November and December 2008, I met with 54 individuals to listen and to ask questions and to test the case for support, test a financial goal, and recommend a campaign plan and timetable,” Barger explained in her executive summary.
To an audience of about 40 at the town hall, she said her sampling of interviews represented a cross-section of the community and included town officials and residents.
Before presenting her recommendations, Barger described the scope of the study. She looked at the “image and reputation” of Abbott Library, community interest in the project and “leadership and financial support.” She evaluated the fund raising climate and approaches and timing for a capital campaign.
“Overall acceptance of the project was positive, and 81% of those interviewed approved of the harbor site,” Barger said. “The Board of Trustees has made good progress in the planning for a new library, and the study demonstrated transparency that was not evident during the earlier project/campaign. The [Library] Director and staff provide good programs and seem to have weathered the earlier disappointments.”
(In 2007, a plan to build a new library on Ski Tow Hill was rejected by voters when three different, but related articles went to the voters at Town Meeting. The project had been in the planning process for several years.)
The proposed new location is on the former Harbor Hotel site, located between the old town hall and Marzelli’s deli.
Speaking of the current project plan, Barger said: “Most everyone felt the overall goal of $4.64mm was daunting.” And the “lead gifts” have not been identified.
“In addition, many respondents stated that the Town should provide monetary support to make the project a total community project. It needs to be inclusive rather than exclusive. The community is in the process of healing but needs more time, and obviously, the economy needs to strengthen.”
The recommendations were to:
1. Update and create a Strategic Plan for the Abbott Library.
2. Continue conversations with Town officials in order to work in tandem with them for public support. Work for an inclusive Sunapee building plan, so that projects appear to be part of a Master Building Plan. All steps need to be strategic and connected.
3. Continue to focus on board process; evaluate ways to improve board work for efficient and meaningful meetings.
4. Create a mechanism to insure stability and continuity on Board of Trustees.
5. Develop a comprehensive communications plan for the capital project that may include: web site updates; disseminate the mailing that was prepared for the study; create a survey of some of the questions asked in the feasibility interviews.
6. Increase the visibility of the library Director.
7. Work with building committee to reduce construction costs w/ option to phase the project.
8. Secure the land.
The full report is available at Abbott Library.
Filed under: Abbott Library, Learning & Libraries, Sunapee, NH 03782 Tagged: | Abbott Library, Community
