In 2005 Carr Enterprises started providing budget pricing for a new 19,600 s/f library at Cape Cod Academy. Architect Charles Bellingrath, who passed away in 2005, was involved in the initial planning of the new library project. After Bellingrath died, former Cape Cod Academy headmaster Tom Evans agreed to assist as a project advisor in hopes of helping to see it through to completion. This is a role he still continues with the library.
At the time of his passing, Bellingrath had completed the conceptual phase of the building design. In order to further proceed with the design of the new library, the trustees had to select a successor architect to carry on Bellingrath's vision. In 2006, the library obtained the services of Jeremiah Ford III, and his firm, Ford 3 Architects of Princeton, N.J.
In late 2009 Carr Enterprises was selected by the library as their construction manager, and began providing preconstruction and estimating services when design development moved forward.
The $4.5 million building will serve as a community resource for information, literacy, and social interaction. Standing on nearly the same footprint, the new library will preserve the village green while doubling the usable space of the library.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held in October 2010. Completion is scheduled for January 2012.
Its design features expanded facilities, such as a computer learning center for children, a separate area for teens and young adults, a community room near the front entrance, and meeting rooms that will be accessible during and after regular library hours.
Other features of the new library include:
* A design that is in harmony with the quality and scale of Osterville Village, and will support future growth for generations to come.
* Expanded facilities and services which will improve the lives of all village residents—adults, teens, children, and grandchildren—in a safe and welcoming space.
* A new children's room that is designed not only to be a delightful, energetic place, but also a place to instill a love of reading and learning through books, games, and other literacy activities. As mentioned above, a homework computer learning center will support educational activities in the children's room.
* Enhanced computer-aided and electronic video and digital equipment will be flexible, state of the art, and will augment community, educational and library programming.
* The enlarged Friends of the Library Store provides a place to purchase used books and gifts with all proceeds benefiting the library.