To: SFL Board

Sawyer Free Public Library Renovation Proposal

We are requesting the Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library Board refrain from razing the current library building and take action to renovate the existing building. A community forum needs to be scheduled to earnestly engage the public in this important process of upgrading the library's infrastructure, services, and resources.

Why is this important?

As members of the public, we are supportive of the Sawyer Free Public Library's mission and resources it provides the community. The tear-down and expansion project is being presented far too close to grant deadlines for any meaningful community engagement in the process.
Topics of community concern range from razing the current building, architectural design considerations, range of services, content of resources relevant to the community, surrounding expansion options and future use of the Thomas Saunders House property.
Both the SFL and the Cape Ann Museum buildings were designed by Architect Don Monell with careful planning to design them in mirroring architectural style to compliment each other and grace the prominent City Hall building.
We are requesting the Gloucester Lyceum and SFPL Board take action to renovate the current library building. A community forum needs to be scheduled to earnestly engage the public in this important process of upgrading the library's infrastructure, services and resources.