Darien Library Breaks Ground On New Home

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Paper: Darien News-Review (CT) Title: Darien Library Breaks Ground on New Home Date: March 14, 2007

Nearly 100 Darien residents gathered Sunday on the corner of Post Road and Hecker Avenue to witness the groundbreaking of a new four-story library that is intended to bring economic and environmental savings. "The building adapts well to the site," said Peter Gisolfi of Peter Gisolfi Associates, the New York architectural and design firm that is constructing the 54,000-square-foot building, which is expected to open in the fall of 2008. "It has the most up to date bio-filtration system that will take the water from the roof and filter it before it enters the ground, it will be gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Design) certified, and have a geo-thermal heating and cooling system that uses the ground water for heating and cooling," Gisolfi said. "We've had great support from the town," said library board President Kim Huffard, who thanked members of the capital campaign and donors who gave money. The campaign rose $21 million for the new project, but still has $3 million more to go. "It's an incredibly great opportunity for the town to have a world class library," said Peter Hovell, a member of the town's Board of Finance who also serves on the library's Building Committee. "I'm delighted that so many have contributed to make it possible." Harold W. McGraw Jr., a former Darien Library president, didn't address the crowd, but was on hand to accept an engraved shovel and break the ground towards the end of the 5 p.m. ceremony. "You usually only get to build a library once in a lifetime," Huffard said, "unless you're Harold." In 1957, McGraw broke the ground for the Darien Library at its current location, 35 Leroy Avenue. The library is asking $3,750,000 for that property, and about 20 parties including the town of Darien have expressed an interest. In designing the new Darien Library, Gisolfi noted his firm's compliance with the town's wish to have a "New England" building, one with a pitched roof that would fit in with the townscape of Darien. The building also will feature a café and an auditorium with terra seating. The upper levels will house non-fiction, reference, periodicals and quite study areas, while the children's room and non-fiction area will look south into the sunshine. Seven thousand square feet of unfinished space will be left in the basement for future development. Gisolfi noted this space could be left untouched if desired, which prompted a quick, "I doubt it" from Huffard. Over the years, the Darien Library has served as a meeting place and hangout for many youth, including U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, RBridgeport, who grew up in Darien. "A good library is the center of a community," said Shays, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony. "I came here to applaud all the hard work everyone has done." Marion Weatherstone has been a Darien resident since 1971, and visited the library for its many sponsored luncheons and lectures. "I'm most looking forward to the garden entrance," she said. "It will help the children transition from school to study." Even non-residents appreciated the new facility. Danbury residents Bob Goldbach, 25, and his wife, Meghan, 25, attended on behalf of a friend, and were impressed with the plans. "It sounds like a great place for kids and adults alike," said Meghan Goldbach, who wished the library was Danbury's. "This community has taken the opportunity to make a statement," Gisolfi said of the library's green policies. First Selectwoman Evonne Klein hasn't yet decided which aspect of the new library would be her favorite, but she is looking forward to a new space that will support library programs. "It's a great day," Klein said. "especially having Harold McGraw here; it's such a cornerstone." Twelve-year-old Phillip Huffard said, ""I'm looking forward to the computer room and the café, so I can do my homework and eat." Caption:

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Photo: Darien Library Director Louise Berry, left, is joined by Harold McGraw Jr., Darrell Harvey, chairman of AP Construction and honorary Chairman Steve Mandel during the March 11 groundbreaking ceremony for the new Darien Library. (c) 2007 Darien News-Review. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Media NewsGroup, Inc. by NewsBank, Inc.

Author: Keysha Whitaker Section: Top Stories (c) 2007 Darien News-Review. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Media NewsGroup, Inc. by NewsBank, Inc.

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