Centerville Public Library Presentation Narrative
The Centerville Public Library (CPL) is pleased to present to The Barnstable
Historical Commission our proposal for a permanent awning structure to ensure
the safety of our patrons, visitors and staff.
The following references are to accompany the slide presentation.
Slide 1 - Title Page
Slide 2 - Mission Statement
As a center of community life, the Centerville Public Library encourages and supports civic, intellectual
and cultural pursuits. It provides a wide range of information and materials to people of all ages, using
traditional methods and innovative technology. The library strives to adapt to the changing needs of the
community. Its welcoming environment stimulates thinking, enhances knowledge of the world and
improves the quality of leisure time. The library educates the community to understand, appreciate and
financially support its relevance.
Slide 3 - CPL 150 History
The Centerville Public Library was founded by Eugene Tappan, a school teacher, and a dedicated group
of villagers in 1869 and has a longstanding legacy spanning more than 150 years. Initially, the Library
operated from the shelves of the General Store, the Village Carriage Shop and Howard Hall. During that
era, the Library boasted 308 books, each carefully wrapped in brown paper jackets. In 1897 a dedicated
Library was built to serve the community. Subsequent expansions included: the Walter Lippmann
Reference Room, the Phyllis Jerauld Bearse Children’s Room, the Orr Room, the Benjamin and Clara
Edwards Children’s Room and the most recent major renovation which greatly expanded and updated the
Library.
Slide 4 - FY22 Statistical Performance Data
Over the last year, we have experienced a consistent increase in the number of people who are visiting
the library. It is encouraging to have reached and/or exceeded levels of pre-pandemic numbers as seen
below:
● Holdings: 93,525
In order to improve the collection and provide the most relevant and up -to-date materials, we
continue to conduct ongoing extensive collection management evaluations to better meet the
needs and preferences of all user groups.
● Total Circulation: 129,655
● Total Electronic Materials Use: 65,986
Includes network and state-wide electronic collections such as Cape Cod Times
online, emagazines, Ancestry, and Novelist.
● Programs: 356
Recurring monthly programs include 5 book clubs, 2 knitting groups, 2 bridge clubs, writers’
group, bi-monthly Yoga class, Barnstable Adult Community Center programs and blood pressure
checks. In addition, our Youth Services Department offers 4 storytimes a week, programs for
neurodivergent children and teens, and partners with the local schools on outreach and volunteer
opportunities.
● Total Program attendance: 9,186
● Website Hits 64,010
The CPL website was upgraded to be more accessible, user-friendly and engaging.
Consequently, our website hits increased by 85% since FY20. We post information daily on
social media and send out a weekly newsletter via Constant Contact.
● Estimated annual in-person visitors - 40,500
● Collaborative Partnerships - In FY22, the library focused on increasing its community
partnerships. We partnered with many organizations including:
○ Barnstable Adult Community Center (BACC)
○ Barnstable Ally Group
○ Barnstable County Government
○ Barnstable No Place for Hate
○ Barnstable Police Department
○ Barnstable Public Libraries
○ Barnstable Public Schools
○ Bayada Nursing
○ Books by the Sea
○ Bread & Roses Bookstore
○ Blue Marble Librarians
○ Cape Cod Writer’s Studio
○ Cape Cod YMCA
○ Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center
○ Centerville Civic Association
○ Centerville Elementary School
○ Family to Family
○ MSPCA Cape Cod
○ NAMI Massachusetts
○ Town of Barnstable
○ Yoga Neighborhood
Slide 5 - Curbside Services
Since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, we added special curbside pickup in our effort to continually
serve the community in a safe and efficient manner. Requests are called in, staff fulfill each order and
arrange them on tables outside the library for pickup.
Slide 6 - Our Issue: Damaged Awning Impacting Patrons
The only covering we’ve had is a canvas awning that deteriorated over the last few winters and became a
safety hazard during snow and ice storms especially for our children and seniors. The canvas yielded
under the weight of snow and ice that eventually fell on the walkway.
After two winters of managing the situation, the canvas finally shredded during a windstorm. Even as the
Covid-19 crisis has subsided many of our elderly patrons prefer to use this service year round rather than
come inside.
Slide 7 - Our Solution: Permanent Structure Estimate from Cape Cod Construction
It is our intent to seek approval from the Community Preservation Committee for CPA funds to pay for
this important addition to our core mission of serving the community safely in spite of pandemics and
harsh New England winters!
The estimate for completing this project is $40,000
Slide 8 - Project Plans
Rendering of proposed permanent structure with metal roof.
Slide 9 - Town of Barnstable Planning and Development Department Decision
The plan was submitted to the Town of Barnstable Planning and Development Department and was
unanimously approved on May 31, 2022.
Slide 10 - Verbal summary given by Centerville Public Library
Slide 11 – Thank you
We thank the Barnstable Historic Commission for their time and consideration of our proposal.
Slide 12 - CPL Logo