Some six years after it lost the location that housed it for almost three decades, the Louis Piantino Library replacement plan got a much-needed boost with the signing of a Letter of Intent on two Post Road properties. While saying the signing of the letter is only the first step in what is a multi-faceted planning process, library officials are celebrating a concrete step toward giving the borough library a new home.
According to Head Librarian Colleen Bailee, the Village Improvement Association, the committee that has oversight of the library system, has entered into agreement for the purchase of two parcels at 703 Boston Post Road, and 89 Newbern St.
“The VIA is in process to purchase the properties,” Bailee said. “A Letter of Intent has been signed, and the VIA is doing its due diligence in the time period. A Phase 1 study has been done, and Phase II will be done soon.”
Buildings on both properties are expected to be demolished, with preliminary plans calling for a 12,000 square foot structure to house the library. Bailee noted the plans are still in the nascent stages.
“As we are still in the purchase phase, we do not have a timeline and projected costs yet,” she said.
Current plans call for the purchase of the land for about $1 million. That nest egg has been secured through an Covid-era American Recovery Plan allocation. What comes next is the financing of the building, with hopes a mix of private and public funds can be secured.
“As the VIA is still in the purchasing phase, we will begin exploring donors, grants and such after the purchase is completed,” Bailee said. “We are very grateful for the people who continue to show an interest in the library project and understand the citizens needs with a library in Allingtown.”
Bailee said the library community has been working hard to get a new home for the library, which had to leave its location at the former Forest School building (now Allingtown Hall) in 2020. The books and materials have been kept in storage, with the hope a new home could be found.
“The VIA is committed to seeing a state-of-the-art library in Allingtown, which is long overdue after the closure of Piantino in 2020,” she said.
In closing, Bailee said library users, including those in Allingtown can take advantage of a new addition to the system’s assets.
“In the meantime, we will also be rolling out a new state of the art bookmobile in the Fall that will have full library access,” she said.
This is a good first step. Maybe there can be enough space to include the Savin Rock museum which is also looking for a home.