Shelf Improvement: Our Project Status

Perhaps this is selfish, but it's incredibly exciting to see real action taking place with our building project because now I have real, tangible things to update you on! It's very difficult to write an engaging summary about people having meetings and signing paperwork, so I am pleased to be able to say that three parts of our project are moving forward with, dare I say, gusto and we are in line with our anticipated project schedule.

This winter, we expedited the upgrades to our HVAC system in order to ensure that we don’t have another summer of service disruptions and uncomfortable temperatures. A Rooftop Unit will be installed this spring which will replace the unit that failed (dramatically) last summer, and our contractors have been hard at work protecting the shelves, flooring, and books up on the mezzanine.

(I didn’t really know what ram board was two weeks ago, but now I’m peppering it into all of my conversations. I’m fun at parties.)

Work needs to be done to the existing HVAC duct work, and duct heaters are currently being installed, which requires electric work. Despite the winter weather, our schedule remains on target. And even better—it’s staying on target with as little disruption to the public as possible. Our contractors are prioritizing Wednesday mornings for the bulk of their work, so that patrons aren’t impacted.

The current view of the Teen Room ceiling! Look at this heater. She's a beaut, Clark!

I know I keep belaboring this point but: this piece of machinery is like a brother to me (except, you know, inanimate and metallic, and less likely to make a joke about the size of my head). Will I make a children’s book about him? I just might. He will become a huge friend to the community this summer when he’s responsible for cooling the second floor and mezzanine. Imagine enjoying July river views without oppressive heat!

The exterior work on the project, which includes repairs to the retaining wall, is currently in the Design Development phase.

What’s Design Development? To put it simply, and allude to The Real World, it’s when the project stops being a rough concept and starts becoming specific. Sizes, systems, major details and approvals are finalized.

The Design Development for our MSE Wall—

What’s an MSE Wall? Mechanically Stabilized Earth walls are retaining systems that use soil reinforcement and compacted backfill to create a stable, gravity-based structure.

--is currently under review by SED OFP.

What’s SED OFP? The State Education Department Office of Facilities Planning is the governing body that reviews all construction projects for school districts and school district public libraries. There are phases to their review process: architectural, engineering, and fiscal and once the reviews are complete, construction permits are issued.

Our engineers are currently working on another round of cost estimating for the project. All is proceeding according to our schedule and construction should begin this spring, following SED approvals. We will keep you all informed of how and when patrons will be impacted by this portion of the project.

The interior portion of the project, including modifications to the building and safety and code improvements, is also in the Design Development phase. Because this is such an involved project, this phase is projected to last until April of 2027.

As always, we'll be updating our website, social media, and these email newsletters with news and progress reports. Please share with folks who may be curious about our building status and encourage them to sign up for our emails for news and, also, droid purposes.