Project Overview
The Town of Bristol has received a $1.75 million Grant from the United States Treasury’s Community Facilities Grant program by way of the Rhode Island Pandemic Recovery Office. The program distributed over $80 million dollars to over 25 of Rhode Island’s Cities and Towns, and is aimed at helping those communities build and improve community centers with a focus on three areas: Work, Education, and Health Monitoring. The Town of Bristol, after looking at a variety of options, has decided to invest these funds into the Rogers Free Library to make a number of improvements, from behind the scenes repairs to the Library’s systems to public facing improvements like new equipment, work/study spaces, and even a “maker space” for public use.
Let’s Hear from You!
- We can only use this funding for “Capital Expenses” – which means construction or furnishing. We cannot use funding for programming – but the improvements we make will ensure less of the Library Budget is spent on repairs, freeing it up for programs!
- We need to have all construction complete by October 31, 2026.
- The goal of the improvements should be to support programming in Work, Education, and Health Monitoring, specifically addressing issues either created or exacerbated by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
If you have thoughts about this project,
please contact Nicholas Toth with the Department of Community Development
send an email to [email protected]
or call (401) 253-7000 ext. 153.
If you prefer, a letter can also be sent to:
Bristol Department of Community Development
10 Court Street
Bristol, RI 02809
Major Proposed Improvements
The flagship project of this renovation, the Maker Space will be dedicated workshop and classroom space for the public, either independently or in groups, will be able to work on projects of their choosing, with a variety of equipment and storage space allowing multiple users to take advantage of the space. Projects could be anything from quilting to robotics – whatever the users want! We will be taking input from the public for equipment to use in this space over the next few years as construction continues. Basic amenities will include seating, tables, eye wash/sink space, ample cabinet space, and ventilation.
Between 2 and 3 small private study rooms are being designed for the Mezzanine area of the old building, along with other improvements and repairs to re-open the upper Mezzanine of the old Rogers Library Building. Currently, this space is unused. We are looking to place study areas in this space due to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) requirements, which states that services that already exist in accessible areas may be duplicated in non-accessible areas.
The RFL currently has 2 HVAC systems operating, both over 15 years old and needing constant repairs. A new, more efficient HVAC system will allow the library to spend less on heating, A/C, and repairs and more on programming.
Libraries need plenty of storage – and to ensure that the limited space in the RFL is being utilized efficiently, we will be spending some funding installing additional storage.
As part of this project, we will be reviewing the electrical systems, the internet accessibility, and the security systems at the RFL. Such improvements could include better more efficient lights and controls, better wi-fi coverage and access points, security cameras and card swipe locks for staff areas, and other improvements that while not out front in the open, will improve Library Operations.
Past Public Input
On May 13, 2024 we held our first public input session, asking a few of the following questions:
- What is your favorite space in the library?
- Which spaces do you currently utilize at the library? And for what purpose? (programs, meetings, knitting, studying, work…)
- Are you usually alone or in a group? (what size group)
- Do you use technology provided by the library (projector, chargers, DVD player, laptop)
- What additional technology/materials do you think the library should offer?
- Have you attended programs? What space were you in and what did you like about it? Dislike about it?
- Have you hosted/attended meetings? What space were you in and what did you like about it? Dislike about it?
- If you need a spot to read or study or concentrate, would you prefer a quiet study room or a cubicle, and why?
- What is more important to you, privacy or quiet?
Project Timeline
| Year | Quarter | Planned Project Activity | Municipal Projected Milestones | Pro Expected Milestones |
| 2024 | Jan – Mar | A/E Vendor Selection, Capital Needs Assessment and Begin Design | Feb 24 – Select A/E Firm Mar 24 – Capital Needs Assessment, Initial Public Input | JAN – A&E Procurement Complete |
| Apr – Jun | Complete Preliminary Design and Public Input | April 24 – Public Design Input May 24 – 10% Designs, Public Input Jun 24 – 50% Designs | JUN – A&E: 50% Complete | |
| Jul – Sep | Redesign with Public Input and Finalize | Sept 24 – Full Scope of Work | ||
| Oct – Dec | Final Designs Bid Project | Oct 24 – Redesign based on Public Review Nov 24 – Finalized 100% Designs Dec 24 – Bid Project | Nov – A&E: 100% Complete | |
| 2025 | Jan – Mar | Award Construction | Feb 25 – Award Contract, Pre-Construction Conference Mar 25 – Mobilization | FEB – Construction services procurement complete |
| Apr – Jun | Construction | Jun 25 – 20% Construction Complete | APR – Construction commenced | |
| Jul – Sep | Construction | Sept 25 – 40% Construction Complete | ||
| Oct – Dec | Construction | Dec 25 – 60% Construction Complete | NOV – Construction 50% complete | |
| 2026 | Jan – Mar | Construction | Mar 26 – 80% Construction Complete | |
| Apr – Jun | Complete Construction | Jun 26 – Construction Complete | ||
| Jul – Sep | Finalize Punch List | Jul 26 – Punch List Walkthrough, Final Work Sept 26 – Ribbon Cutting, Programming Begins | SEP – Construction 95% complete | |
| Oct – Dec | Programming Begins | Oct 26 – Final Reimbursement to PRO | OCT – Construction complete DEC – Programs operational |