New Goshen library nears completion, May opening is planned

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include the postponement of the opening tour, originally scheduled for May 18.
By Geri Corey
GOSHEN — The new $9.3 million Goshen Public Library and Historical Society at Salesian Park is nearing completion.
“What I like about this building is the over-sized window design that allows it to be flooded with light from the outside, giving the space an airy, open feeling,” said Matthew Gomm, Library Director. "It’s especially noticeable when the sun is setting, and it gives off a warm golden light."
Left to do are mainly the finishing touches, said general supervisor Bart Gentile of Gilbane Building Company in Albany, who’s overseeing construction. The work is 85 percent done, he said.
On the list for completion are floors, both carpet and vinyl flooring, bathroom tiles for walls and floors, some trim, and general clean up.
“Basically, once the flooring is done, the furniture will arrive,” said Gentile.
The public's first tour of this impressive building was originally scheduled for Saturday, May 18, but has been postponed.
First floor Lobby — The library proper, for adult and reference books, is already painted a light shade of green. It's entered through the lobby at the main entrance.
Meeting room — Also included on the first floor is a large meeting room, offering seating capacity for 100-people, and separate rooms for adult and teen activities.
Friends of the Library — Off the front lobby, too, is space for the Friends of the Library, volunteers who fundraise for the library and give hands-on assistance to library staff. The Friends will offer, among other items, a wide variety of used books for sale.
Staff rooms — Library staff offices are included in the large adult library room.
The entire 20,000 square-foot library has loads of extra-large windows that let in plenty of sunlight. But included indoors are what Gentile calls “vision panels” or “window walls” as part of staff offices, located both in the adult section and the children’s area upstairs.
“The offices are strategically placed in the large adult and children’s rooms with ‘window walls’ to maximize staff vision of the areas,” said Ellen-Mary O’Brien, Goshen Public Library Board President.
Second floor Children's library — The second floor — accessible by stairs or elevator — houses the children’s library, painted pale blue with yellow accents. Conveniently located to the left, just before the entrance to the children's room, is a cubby for coats and parking strollers.
Also on-site is a children’s program and activities room, painted a becoming shade of lavender.
“The soft inviting colors in shades of blues, greens, and yellows, chosen for the walls are conducive to quiet time, promoting a good reading atmosphere,” O’Brien said. She said the teen room is painted green so it can be used as a background for filming videos.
Reading alcoves — Alcoves in both the adult and children’s library space are not only architecturally pleasing, but with two comfortable chairs and a table in between, they’ll offer comfortable places for relaxing and reading.
“I can see mothers with babies on their laps sitting in the alcove reading to their children," Gentile said.
Local history room — The second floor also contains Goshen’s historical artifacts, which have been left unseen for years because of limited library space, will be exhibited. Several ample display cases will allow patrons to view artifacts from yesteryear, and seek historical facts in a sizable local history room.
Offices — Office space, including the director’s office, clerk’s office, and the business office, is also on the second floor.
Technology and tutoring — Other second-floor features include workroom space, two tutor rooms, a kitchenette with staff break room, storage closet, small conference room, family restrooms with changing tables, and a technology room. The entire building has Wi-Fi capability.
Back porch — A back porch with affixed sliding rocking chairs allows patrons to read outside in nice weather. Plans include an attached “reading plaza": a curved edge patio made of concrete and pavers. It’s an outdoor reading spot at its best.
Social by designMuch thought was given to the library design, including having the architecture blend well with not only where it’s sited at Salesian Park but adding to the ambiance of the Village of Goshen, as well. Having book drops both inside and outside the building, a water fountain for drinking and filling water bottles, and installing a time capsule join the list of unique amenities.
For Gentile, the biggest maintenance plus is the energy efficiency of the whole building. In addition, the heating and air conditioning is run on a geo-thermal system that using water from 14 geo-thermal wells on the property. A grant from the state helped pay for the system, he said.
“In parallel with gathering information, a library provides social space for programing and socializing with neighbors — something that’s becoming more important in an age of digital isolation,” said Gomm.