City of Derby

Derby Library

Architects' rendering of library design.

New Library for Derby: Groundbreaking 2008

In October 2007, Derby voters approved the construction of a new public library with 63% of the voters saying "yes." The library will be financed using a half cent sales tax, which will begin after the aquatic park half-cent sales tax ends, which will likely be in 2010.

The Library Steering Committee is working with the architects Gossen Livingston to finalize the details of the new library design. The committee has discussed access issues and how the various spaces will be used (gathering space/lobby, community meeting room, restrooms and library rooms). The Committee has established the style to be used for the facility, such as ceilings, color schemes, furniture, etc.

The architects have also met with library staff to work through very specific questions concerning function, space, etc., in the library. The committee will also discuss wiring, heating, air, phones, etc., with engineers.

The programming/concept design phase has been completed and the Committee is finishing up with the schematic phase. This will be followed by design development and construction documents.

The Committee will go before the Planning Commission in January or February to address planning and zoning issues.

Library Steering Committee Members:

Ted Austin, Director Operations, City of Derby
Dion Avello, Mayor
Cheryl Bannon, Ward III Council Member
Judy Bennett, Library Director
Frank Fanning, Library Board Chair
Sheila Korphage, Librarian
Kathy Sexton, City Manager
Debbie Thomas, Library User Support Services Coordinator
Linda Wood, Library Board Vice-Chair

Construction Timeline

The preliminary project schedule is as follows:

November/December 2007
Steering Committee meetings

January 2008
Schematic Design

February 2008
Design Development

March - July 2008
Construction documents (permits, property deed, etc.)

May 2008
Groundbreaking and site package bidding phase

June - August 2008
Site construction (sewer, water, building pad, parking lot, etc.)

August 2008
Building bidding phase

September 2008-October 2009
Building construction

June-July 2009
Furniture package bidding phase

December 2009
Furniture installation

January 2010
Derby Library opening!

Why a new library?

The Library Board of Trustees and library patrons have talked about the need for more space than the current library building has available for the last several years. At about 9,000 square feet, the facility is often busting at the seams with people. Library patrons wait in line to check out materials, the Video/DVD section is widely used and the public-access computers are busy most every day.

The city has been growing at a fairly strong pace for more than 20 years. The Census Bureau estimates that Derby has a population of 21,101 now, and the projections are that the population will reach 25,000 around 2018 and top 31,000 in 2030.

How big will the library be?

The new library will be approximately 36,620 square feet. It will include a larger computer room with more computers available for public use, a community meeting room, and additional space for not only housing books but also for hosting activities and programs for children and teens. Public meeting rooms and gathering spaces are one of the most commonly requested items by Derby residents.

Where will the library be built?

The library site is at Walnut Grove and Sumac, just east of Tanglewood Elementary School.

Questions or comments? Please email webmaster@derbyweb.com.