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Potential Plans for the Osborne Library
The Osborne library is the only structure that remains of the D.M. Osborne estate on South Street in Auburn. In October, the Osborne Center for Social Justice members opened its doors for tours and information on the planned renovations for the building.
The library, which is currently owned by the First United Methodist Church, has stood empty for many years. "Our vision is to open the facility to become a reception center for the corridor of conscience," said David Connelly during the pancake for preservation fundraiser held at the church. "There was about a 100-year period in which Auburn was a very powerful player in the conscience movement."
Connelly is the chairman of the board for the Osborne Center for Social Justice, and is currently in the research phase of writing a biography on Thomas Mott Osborne.
According to Connelly the projected costs for the preservation of the library will exceed $1 million.
Organization board member Jim Loperfido said that the committee hopes to begin renovations by next year. "Our plan is to have the center open in three years, and the renovation complete in five years," he said.
The library, which was originally connected by corridor to the estate, still retains much of its original design but has deteriorated over the years from neglect and non-use. The plans for renovations will include an addition that will add an entrance to the building on the parking lot side. The current entrance is located behind the building and has deteriorated over the years with a missing step making it unsafe.
In addition to housing the Osborne Center for Social Justice, the committee will consider renting the basement area of the building for office use.
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