Central Stairway Opened Today

The renovated Central Stairs at the Main Library opened today after about 8 weeks of construction and final touch up. While I had posted back in October that the stairs would open, some reworking was needed and they remained closed at that time. After feeling like my announcement had somewhat jinxed the opening, I decided to wait until the stairs were in use before announcing the opening and so with much enthusiasm I am able to share that the new stairs are now in use.

Carpeting continues and the new computers in the expanded computer lab and computers just outside that space are being used while re-carpeting and new table setup is taking place just in front of the 2nd floor reference desk. A new service desk which is more open to allow for easier discussion with patrons is being installed as well.

The last area of the 2nd floor to be addressed includes the new vending/cafe' area, the new space for microfilm, the renovated quiet study room and the re-carpeted magazine area. The project is now expected to wrap up in the week before Thanksgiving. I can say we are all thankful for the project results and will be celebrating the new space for a while to come.

Central Stairway To Remain Closed A Bit Longer

The remaining detail work on the stairs has not been completed and so the new central stairway needs to remain closed off for a few days longer. We anticipate an opening sometime next week. In the meantime the scheduled carpeting took place today and furniture is being set up as planned.
We apologize for the delay regarding the stairs but for sure want to get everything in place before staff and public begin using them.

The New Stairway Will Open Up Tomorrow

The new stairway is complete and awaiting just a finishing clean-up. Patrons and staff will be able to use the stairs tomorrow. Here is a photo so you can see how great the stairway looks! Everyone has been amazed at the improved access and security as the view into and out of the popular materials department is much enhanced. The stairs will also now easily accommodate two or more passing. Please come in to see and use the new pathway between the two floors.

Finishing touches are taking place within other areas that have been renovated and the construction partitions are being removed as areas become newly carpeted. The group study rooms and new computer lab will be furnished next week and will open for public use just as soon as possible.

The renovation began early this past summer and was slated to finish up in late October or early November so the completion is right on target. We can't wait for patrons to begin using these refurbished spaces and the time will be here soon.

The return boxes for the drive-up drop in the garage have been ordered and will be installed just as soon as they arrive. Patrons asked for this option so we are also eager to provide a means of drive-up return during hours the library is open.

Thanks to all of you who have continued to come into the library during the renovation. We appreciate having a chance to provide service and appreciate your patience with the process as well.

It's Friday And Renovation Work Remains In Progress

If you've been in the library lately you've likely noticed the entire stairs encased in a partition. The steel structure for the new stairway is being erected and that's where the periodic sounds are coming from. The work on the stairs has been steady all week and for structural items slow and steady is what we want!

Drywall and taping continue in the rooms being created. We look forward to some painting and that's when things will really begin to look more finished.

The staff at times feels like we're living in the Home and Garden TV show "Design Remix". I've written about the re-purposing going on in this project and so as we identify pieces of furniture that won't be returning to a former spot we're asking where else these items might be used. Also, we've been "stealing" some of our furnishings from areas to see if they can fill a need in a renovated area. Our goal is to retain as much that is functional as possible while making sure renovated areas are both functional and comfortable.

Our architect, Martha Bell, said at our weekly construction meeting on Tuesday that she can see the end in sight. I think we're all beginning to feel that way and can't wait to unveil the new spaces to everyone. Mark your calendar to stop in at the library soon and then again after the renovation is complete sometime in November. We're open for business while the work is going on and look forward to providing better access and spaces in the very near future.

The Stairs Are Gone And Walls Just Keep Going Up

Yesterday morning the very last bit of existing stairway was removed. The "old" stairs are now history and the space available for the new stairs is clearly evident. Who knew that the stair opening was really so spacious? We all had the feeling and could measure dimensions as well as the next person but just seeing the space so clearly gives us an idea of how much the up and down access will be improved.

During the next week the renovation project pretty much will consist of the installation of the steel for the new staircase and the continuing installation and taping of drywall for the group study rooms and new computer lab space. 5 group study rooms and a 16-computer lab are being created as part of this renovation. The lab will be used for instruction and the computers in that space will be available to patrons when there are no classes in session.

Apologies to all that the various construction sounds and possibly smells will continue for a little while longer. We really wanted to keep the library open and so the trade-off is that there's no way to avoid the hammering, banging and general sound of power tools being used on the project.

The contractor told us today the project is still on track to finish up at the end of October or shortly thereafter so before too long the work will be done and the new areas available for use.

Stairs Are Being Closed Off

The work on closing up the central stairway began today and in a Murphy's law kind of scenario the elevator quit working for a while. Thank goodness the stairway was still open and the elevator issue is being resolved. But, isn't that just the kind of thing you'd never wish to happen when closing off stairs access? There is a plan B when the stairs are closed off for anyone who doesn't wish to ride in the elevator. Staff will seek to get patrons to the second floor by another means just as we've been taking patrons on the service elevator for the past day or so.

In case anyone wonders, we have 3 pathways for emergency exit from the second floor so the closure of the central stairs is an inconvenience but not a safety concern.

We got the tentative 3-week schedule today and this week in addition to the stairs partition construction there will be a demo of the stairs. This is sure to be noisy so be advised! The drywall for the new group study rooms and computer lab is going up, too.

Next week we're expecting the installation of the steel for the new stairway and additional drywall and taping. Glass for doors and windows in the administration area should be installed by the end of next week, too.

The end of September will see the concrete poured for the stairway and drywall going into the stairway area. If all goes as planned, painting of the drywall put up this week and next will begin by the end of the month.

Just a reminder to any reader that the Main Library and branches will be closed on October 2nd so that staff can participate in an all-day training session. Last year over 100 of the 125 or so staff members were able to attend and this means an opportunity for staff to have a shared training and discussion experience. Workshop topics range from customer service to readers' advisory to safety at home and in the workplace.

The Garage Work Is Complete And Renovation Continues

The work on the upper level of the garage has been completed and the garage is open and now resealed and re-striped. Everyone is noticing how fresh and clean the floor appears and all of the repairs were successfully conducted underneath that freshly sealed floor. It was definitely a worthwhile project though not fun in the midst of it; for sure worth the wait. We were able to add one additional handicapped parking spot and rearrange some of the parking spaces for better access and use. You might also notice the sign indicating a drive-up materials drop that is coming soon. Last year when we surveyed patrons about library spaces and services we learned that there was much interest in a drive up drop. While we were not able to come up with a good solution for a 24/7 drive-up drop connected to the building, a staff member finally saw a potential solution at the foot of the ramp entry to the garage. So just as soon as book drops arrive, we'll install them on the left side at the foot of the entry ramp. The drive-up drops will be accessible all hours the Main Library is open. Staff and Board members are looking forward to bringing this new service to the public. Of course the covered walk-up drop at the front of the building will remain available 24/7.

And of course the renovation continues, too. We were happy to see carpet installed beginning this past Friday. The carpet will be installed in public spaces somewhat later but this preview gave us a chance to see that the new carpet looks great! The next big change will be the construction of a partition around the central stairway on both the first and second floors next week. This partition will be very obvious - the stairway footprint is big - and it is necessary for safety reasons and for the potential to muffle at least some of the sounds. The upshot is that once the partition is in place, patron access to the second floor will only be via the elevator for a period of 5 weeks or so. There will also only be one place for getting through from the elevator to the computers and books on the second floor.

We do apologize for any inconvenience or upheaval this renovation poses to patrons. We are working to complete this project on schedule with wrap-up near the middle of November and already we can see how the resulting space will be so worth it. Any person who needs assistance for any reason due to this renovation process or actually for any reason at all is encouraged to ask staff for help. One thing that is true about library employees is the wish to help any and all who visit the library so please "just ask".

I surely have found that being in the middle of the projects impacts the time available to sit down and share via blog so I'm expecting more frequent updates again following this post. Pardon the lag since the last post, we've been busy working with the architect and construction company as walls are framed out, windows installed, carpet laid, walls painted ... well you get the idea!