ASHLAND — The Ashland Public Library expanded its footprint along Broad Street with the purchase of a house.
A press release issued by the library on Wednesday stated the $219,250 purchase at 311 Broad Street is a “strategic and unique development that ensures the library’s ability to meet the evolving needs of the community for years to come.”
Charlene Tolbert, the library’s director, said plans for the property haven’t been finalized.
“While the library staff and I have discussed various applications for the new space, we believe it’s in the library’s best interest to remain open to possibilities we may not have yet considered,” Tolbert said.
“We will keep patrons informed as our plans develop.”
The property went up for sale in late October, according to Zillow.
Tolbert said the former owner will continue to live there, rent-free, through Dec. 31.
“The library deeply respects the former owner’s timeline as she transitions into her new residence over the next few months,” she said, adding that person has already secured another place to live.
A special place
Tolbert said the house “holds a special place in the library’s history.”
Nancy Stockwell, for whom the library’s “Stockwell Room” is named, made a financial donation to the library in 2013. Tolbert said Stockwell used to live at 311 Broad Street in the 1930s and 1940s.
But the property also holds strategic value.
The library purchased 301 Broad Street in 1990, which eventually led to an overflow parking lot. The vacant space next to the overflow parking lot was purchased in 2000 — the library calls it the “green space.”
Tolbert said the library plans to host events and activities on the vacant lot.
“The green space connects to 311’s backyard, which would help us expand the potential of what we can offer to our patrons in an outdoor setting,” she said.
The library’s board of trustees first discussed the purchase at an emergency special meeting held Oct. 23, a day after its listing on Zillow for $195,000.
Minutes from that meeting show a unanimous vote to place an offer on the property, for $200,00.
Straight From the Source
(Excerpt from APL’s Emergency Special Meeting held Oct. 23)
“The offer amount is $200,000, cash, with an escalation clause, in increments of $1,000, up to a maximum of $250,000. The Library will not require any inspections. The contract will include four contingencies: title, insurance, location print, and by-laws. The property is to be vacated by December 31, 2024. The Library agrees to pick up the library agent’s brokerage commission of 3%. The library will also offer an earnest money deposit of $10,000, which will be paid to Castle Title. The purpose of this purchase is for future library needs.”
“Board members discussed the need to make a strong offer on the property listed for sale at 311 Broad Street,” read the minutes. “The property is adjacent to other library parcels and its purchase would secure the property for future library needs.”