STEEP FALLS – Paula Paul has been picturing it for years: a full kitchen, a large great room, a genealogy area, and space, lots of extra space, for the small library that is currently “bursting at the seams.”

“We are here tonight to ask the council to look at our plans and support us,” said Paul, the Steep Falls Librarian about her appearance at the Standish Town Council workshop Tuesday night. “The only thing we are asking the town for is a grant writer. We are hoping we can make this happen with grants.”

Paul presented councilors with a preliminary sketch of the library addition, which included a large area that could be used as a community rental, extra storage rooms and a large room Paul hopes could be used by the Standish Historical Society.

“We would really love it if the historical society would set up some of their displays in that room,” said Paul. “I think it would be great to have that be, maybe, a genealogy area.”

Glenna Jamison, president of the Standish Historical Society who was in attendance at the workshop with other members of the society, was flattered by the idea, but was unwilling to commit.

“We think it’s a good idea what you are trying to do,” said Jamison. “We’ll support you in any way we can, but right now we are looking at some other options for space for our things.”

Historical Society member Mary McNeil seconded the support but also believed they had enough memorabilia to go around.

“Whether the other options work out or not, I think it would be great to have a room in the library,” said McNeil. “I think it would be nice to have some space there, and I think it’s safe to say that as an organization, we would help you.”

Councilors also supported the idea of expansion.

“I think adding a really nice kitchen is a great idea,” said Councilor Michael Blanck, a resident of Steep Falls. “They gave up doing bean suppers there due to lack of space. I think with extra space it could become a community center and space. I think renting out that room could generate a lot of revenue for building upkeep.”

Although Paul and the Steep Falls Library Board of Trustees have been brewing this idea for some time, the library has never been able to seriously consider expanding due to the lack of acreage. Now, thanks to the generosity of land owner and library neighbor Mark Blier, that has all changed.

“Mark has agreed to split up his land and sell us a 3-acre parcel of land to expand on,” said Paul. “That’s really all the space we need.”

Blier, who was on hand for the workshop, said he was thinking of building a duplex on the land but when he heard Paul speaking of expansion plans he changed his mind for the better of the community.

“I saw that the library needed it, and I thought I would reconsider my plans to build and try to work with the library,” said Blier.

Built in 1916 with money donated by Steep Falls native Henry Pierce, the library is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Paul assured councilors the expansion would not interfere with the integrity of the building’s historic status.

“That is why in this preliminary sketch the addition has a 15-foot space between the new building and the original building in the front,” said Paul. “They will connect in the back only to protect the historic fac?ade of the building.”

Town Manager Gordon Billington was impressed with the presentation and the idea of creating a larger space for Standish residents.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to expand a community resource worthy of enhancement,” said Billington.

Although a budget has not been set and presenting the idea was only the first step, Paul is hoping to have the project completed before 2016 when the building turns 100.

“This has been something we have been dreaming of for quite some time,” said Paul. “I think it would be great if its completion coincided with the 100th anniversary.”

Billington felt that was a realistic possibility.

“I certainly heard from the council strong support to aid them with their fundraising efforts. I think we can help to complete this for their 100th anniversary,” he said.