MONTAGUE — Library officials are continuing to gather community feedback as they put together an application seeking state funding for the expansion of the existing Carnegie Public Library or the construction of a new one.

Over the past year, Montague Public Libraries Director Caitlin Kelley and the library trustees have begun conversations about the improvement needs of the Carnegie Public Library on Avenue A in Turners Falls. To date, roughly 200 residents have responded to a survey to that effect, seeking input on patrons’ current experiences at the library, according to Kelley. Additionally, three focus groups have been held.

“Folks, unsurprisingly, find the library inaccessible, a little crowded and kind of noisy,” said Kelley. “So many people also expressed their appreciation for the building and its historic character.”

Other popular pieces of feedback included improving the accessibility of the entrance, as well as the desire for study rooms, a children’s room, small meeting rooms and a meeting room for community events.

“One thing people have really emphasized is they want an addition or a new building that feels like Turners Falls,” Kelley mentioned.

Two additional community forums are scheduled next week, during which library officials will review the current conditions of the Carnegie Public Library, go over the state construction program timeline and application process, and highlight community feedback gathered thus far.

The first forum will take place via Zoom on Tuesday at 6 p.m.; the second will be on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Great Falls Discovery Center’s Great Hall.

Kelley said the town submitted its letter of intent to the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program in April. Based on the needs of the town and the needs of the building, the library qualifies for “top-tier” funding.

“Should our project be awarded, we could have 67.5% of our eligible construction costs covered by the state,” Kelley said.

Between now and the spring, Barbara Friedman — who was hired by the town using funds approved at the March Special Town Meeting — and Kelley will take all the data collected through surveys, focus groups and community forums, and synthesize it into an application. Friedman, retired director of the Erving Public Library, saw through the construction of its building on Care Drive.

After that, Town Meeting representatives will be asked to authorize receiving money from the state and to approve $150,000 toward the planning and design phase.

“Assuming all that goes through, we’ll submit our grant application to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners,” Kelley said.

She expects the town will hear back by fall 2024, at which point the town can begin the planning and design stage. It wouldn’t be until then, she said, that a decision would need to be made as to whether to construct a new building or expand on the current one.

Kelley clarified that the grant application was solely for the improvement of Turners Falls’ Carnegie Public Library, not the other two branches in Millers Falls and Montague Center.

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.