Laserfiche WebLink
MASHPEE PUBLIC LIBRARY <br /> THE CASE FOR A NEW BUILDING <br /> PROBLEMS WITH THE EXISTING STRUCTURE <br /> • The Library's 5300 Sq. feet is much too small in relation to Mashpee's current population of <br /> approximately 13,000 people. In comparison, Brewster,with a population of approximately <br /> 10,000 people,has a library with over 22,00 sq. feet. Harwich,with a population slightly less <br /> than Mashpee, has 25,000 sq. feet of library space. <br /> • The current Mashpee Library, built in 1986, does not conform to current building codes. <br /> • Handicap access is difficult, presenting problems in entering, exiting and navigating the <br /> crowded space within. <br /> • There are only 20.parking spaces. <br /> • The library's public meeting room can only accommodate about a dozen people. <br /> • There is very little space available for children's acitivites and leisure reading. <br /> • There are no `quiet study' rooms. <br /> RESOURCES LIMITED BY SPACE <br /> • The present collection of 34,000 volumes is the absolute minimum standard for the current <br /> population. Harwich, with a population of 500 less than Mashpee, has 55,000 volumes. <br /> • Computer equipment is minimal(3 computers, 1 w/ internet access)due to space restrictions, <br /> and there is no privacy or quiet space for anyone wishing to work on them. Brewster, with <br /> 30% fewer residents, has three times as many computers and space to use them comfortably. <br /> • Lack of space limits the newspaper and periodical collection to 137 titles. By way of <br /> comparison, Harwich carries 237 publications in that area. <br /> • There is no space for teen resources. <br /> • Cramped conditions cause audio-visual resources to be scattered throughout the existing <br /> building; audiobooks are stacked in double rows on the shelves and on the floor. <br /> • There is no space for new formats such as DVD or CD collections. <br /> • The reference area is practically non-existent; there is no staffed reference desk. <br />