ROCKPORT — The Rockport Library recently answered some frequently asked questions about the library and want is going on with it.

Q: Is there any part of the building planning that includes the former Rockport Elementary School site?

RL: No, the selected firm of Reed & Co. Architecture is designing a building that will fit the lot of 1 Limerock Street (current library site) while simultaneously protecting and enhancing a large portion of Memorial Park.

Q: Who is the architect?

RL: The AHLPC voted to recommend Reed & Co. Architecture of Portland, Maine. That recommendation was presented to the Select Board on March 24, 2016, and unanimously approved. Reed & Co demonstrated the combination of library building experience, imagination, and thoughtful site consideration that the committee was looking for. Their presentation is archived here.

Q: What will the library look like?

RL: Reed & Co. Architecture was selected on March 24 and this now begins the design planning process. The next round of AHLPC meetings is to help refine the concept plans. Meetings are open to the public and the schedule is available at the AHLPC info hub at the Rockport Public Library website.

Q: How big will the new library be?

RL: In order to achieve the necessary programming space of 8750 square feet as approved by the Select Board, the full size of the building project is projected to be between 10,000 — 12,000 square feet, positioned over 2-3 levels. This square foot estimate includes the recommended programming space plus non-programming spaces such as wall thickness, restrooms, elevator, stairwells, & mechanical equipment. It is still very early in the planning process, however, and discussions about design, space allocation, and size are just now beginning.

Q: What will happen to Memorial Park?

RL: Protecting and enhancing a large portion of Memorial Park is a key component of Reed & Co.'s site design. We are excited about the possibility of preserving green space in the village and increasing the visibility of the memorials.