Municipal Facility Project - A Proposed New Direction for the Avalon Library & Museum
Questions and Answers for the Community
*Click here to jump to information about Community Meetings and opportunities to share feedback.*
What is being proposed?
The project would create a new combined library and museum at the site of the History Center on 39th Street, while renovating the current library building into a school library and community event space.
Is this one project or two?
It is two coordinated projects with one vision:
- A new 18,000 sq ft library and museum facility.
- Renovation of the existing 9,000 sq ft library into a separate school library and flexible community space.
Why can't we continue using the current library?
The current library was built in 2005 as an addition to the school and does not meet today's public library demands or modern school security standards. The layout limits growth and flexibility, and the building lacks the space, storage, and infrastructure needed to support expanded programming and staff needs.
What are the issues with the History Center?
The History Center operates in a converted house. It has limited exhibit space, no climate-controlled archival storage, and ongoing maintenance needs that are inefficient for its current function.
What will the new building include?
- Dedicated library space with an improved layout designed for better flow, accessibility, and a more comfortable user experience
- Permanent and rotating exhibit galleries to highlight Avalon's history while allowing for new and changing displays
- Climate-controlled archival storage to properly protect and preserve valuable historical collections
- Improved staff workspaces that support efficient operations, collaboration, and expanded programming
- All public services under one roof, creating a more convenient and cohesive experience for homeowners and visitors
Will there be more space for the public?
Yes. The project improves library spaces for reading, studying, and technology access; expands exhibit areas; and adds a new community event space capable of hosting 140 to 300 people for meetings, performances, and educational programs.
What will happen to the current library building?
It will be renovated into a dedicated school library (~3,000 sq ft) designed for student learning, and a flexible community event and performing arts space (~6,000 sq ft) adaptable for school performances, community meetings, and civic events.
Where will the new building be located?
At the 39th Street site, on the lot adjacent to the existing History Center. Once the new building is complete, the current History Center site will be repurposed to provide additional on-site parking.
Will current services be substantially disrupted during construction?
No. The project is phased so the existing History Center and library both remain open until the new facility is complete. Services are designed to continue with minimal interruption throughout construction. History Center services will be disrupted toward the end of construction when the current facility is removed to support additional parking at the site. Library services should only experience minimal disruption, during the move-in process.
How will the project fit into the surrounding neighborhood?
Building scale, layout, and site planning are designed to be compatible with the surrounding residential area while enhancing the overall appearance of existing municipal services on 39th street.
How is parking being addressed on 39th street?
On-site parking will support typical daily library and museum use. Larger events will continue to be hosted at 32nd Street in the new event space to prevent excessive traffic at the 39th Street site. Clearly defined traffic flow will provide safe and efficient entry and exit.
Will this increase my taxes?
No. The project is intended to be funded within the existing municipal library funding structure. There is no planned additional tax burden to Avalon taxpayers. The plan focuses on maximizing the value of existing public assets to deliver meaningful community benefits.
Why is this considered a smart financial decision?
- Consolidates services into one efficient facility, improving operational effectiveness
- Reduces long-term maintenance costs by replacing less-functional buildings with a modern, purpose-built space
- Avoids costly renovations of outdated buildings that would still have limitations even after significant investment
- Maximizes the use of existing public assets, ensuring greater community value from current resources
How does this benefit Avalon homeowners?
- Improves access to library services and technology with updated resources, expanded programming, and a more user-friendly experience
- Preserves Avalon's history through proper archival storage and thoughtfully designed exhibits that make local history more accessible
- Creates new community gathering space for events, meetings, and programs that bring residents together
- Provides dedicated school space to support student learning and library services
- Serves homeowners, residents, and seasonal visitors, ensuring the facility meets the needs of the entire Avalon community
Why is this important for Avalon's future?
This project is a long-term investment in Avalon's infrastructure, education, and community life. It is designed to meet the evolving needs of homeowners and visitors by providing modern, efficient, and flexible space that supports learning, preserves local history, and brings people together. By planning for the future now, the project ensures that Avalon has the resources and facilities to serve the community effectively for decades to come.
Learn More & Share Feedback
We invite the community to share feedback about this proposed project. To ensure feedback is incorporated in this portion of the planning process, please submit questions or comments by Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
- Meet – Two Community Meetings
- Saturday, June 20 10:30am, Library and Zoom (link coming soon!)
- Tuesday, June 23 5:30pm, Library and Zoom* (link coming soon!)
- *A recording of this meeting will be available on Wednesday, June 24
- Call – 609-967-7156
- Email – [email protected]
- Updates - Available via our Newsletter, sign up here.