Blodget Memorial Library FAQ’s Document (updated 10/05/2026)
Library Stats:
Number of Library Card Holders (2025)-5,372
Number of Library Visitors (2025)-48,080
Number of Library Items Borrowed (2025)-70,748
Number of Library Programs (2025)-755 annually (14.5 per week)
Number of Program Attendees (2025)-13,992
Number of Public Computer Usage Hours (2025)-2,264 annually (44 hours per week)
Number of Hours Open per week (current)-50
Number of Days Open per week (current)-7 days per week
Project Features (Four Key Areas):
Accessibility: ADA Accessibility to all levels with an elevator and removal of interior barriers. Improved lighting for the visually impaired. Fully accessible restrooms on all three levels of the building. Accessible Children’s Program Room in the existing building. Improved Circulation Desk.
Safety: Fire Protection Sprinkler System for Life Safety, fire-rated enclosure of exit stair.
Sustainability: New high-efficiency HVAC System, improved energy-efficient lighting systems and controls. Insulation upgrades in existing attic, and highly-insulated Addition.
Program: Dedicated Meeting Space in renovated area, seating 20 – 30 people for medium-size meetings/programs. Local History Room with space to seat 6-8 people for small programs or study/tutoring and environmental control for collections.
FAQs:
Q: I don’t live in the Village of Fishkill, why am I affected?
A: The Blodgett Memorial Library is a Special Legislative Library District, chartered to serve the entire population of Town and Village of Fishkill, excluding Beacon School District, which encompasses 12,972 residents as of the 2020 census. If you live in the Town or Village of Fishkill and in the Wappingers Central School District, you are a member of the Library District. Even if you do not live in the specific boundaries of the District, a library card from any Mid-Hudson Library System member allows you to access Blodgett’s collection.
Q: Will the historic building be preserved?
A: The proposed addition is attached to the 1980’s portion of the building, not the 1865 historic portion of the building. The project includes infrastructure repairs to the original building, and interior renovations, but no changes to the exterior.
Q: Will parking be an issue?
A: The Library as it exists has access to on-street parking, a common feature in this neighborhood. The proposed Addition is small (2,546 sf vs. 9,120 sf for the existing building) and has minimal impact on building occupancy (no large Assembly Spaces, for example), which would drive up required parking.
Q: Will the Outdoor Program Space / Lawn Area be maintained?
A: Yes, the addition encroaches approximately 15’ into the rear lawn. The remainder of the outdoor area will be maintained for program and gathering space.
Q: Will the Library have to move during construction?
A: Yes, due to the extensive interior renovations, the Library will rent temporary space to remain in service to the community during the construction period, and minimize periods of closure.
Q: How were the needs determined?
A: Following a 24-month planning process, we have formulated this proposed plan to address both the current and future community needs, through public information gathering (surveys and polls), an ongoing collaboration between library staff, trustees, and volunteers, and consultation with Butler Rowland Mays Architects, LLP an architecture firm specializing in public libraries.
Q: What are the project goals?
A: Renovation of the existing Library space (original building is over 100 years old), the accommodation of increasing spatial demands, bolstering safety, providing handicap accessibility to all levels of the building, adding small meeting and study space, improving children’s programming space, creating a dedicated teen space, implementing necessary safety upgrades (like a comprehensive sprinkler system and ADA compliance).
Q: How many more employees would the library need to hire for the proposed plan?
A: Zero. The size of our staff will not grow as a result of this project. It simply gives our patrons more room to enjoy the library and access all parts of it. The addition has been designed specifically to improve accessibility, and maintain sightlines from key staff areas. The design of the building will not require additional staff to supervise.
Q: What will the project cost me?
A: The bond to fund this project will be secured by the Town of Fishkill during next year’s budget process. The length of the term will determine the actual cost. With a 20-year bond term at .21 per $1,000 assessed value, the annual cost for a $339,500 home would be $71.21. For many homeowners, it will be less than $1.40 per week.
Q: If approved, when would construction begin?
A: We anticipate groundbreaking in Autumn 2027.
Q: When do we vote on this?
A: We encourage all residents to vote on this bond referendum, as well as our annual budget and trustee openings, on November 12, 2026. Polls are open 10am-7pm.