This week, we first heard the sounds of demolition. Even though the jackhammers and saws and added conversation are loud, the music they form are a relief to all of us! The project has had a long journey, and we can't wait to see the results!

We've had to get creative this week with the relocation of materials and furniture on the second floor. The specialty mover that we planned to use didn't have availability as soon as we needed. The library team and the general contractor team put their heads together and came up with a workable solution, with the general contractor doing most of the work! The move is hard to plan, because the items don't go back in the same places that they were in, and the new locations will be inaccessible as the staircase is replaced and the floor infill happens. We think we have it all worked out now.

An area of concern emerged as demolition in the basement level began. We see signs that the asbestos in the basement may not have been completely abated in 1996. We'll see what the test results say and work through it!

Because our patrons have no access to the 2nd floor at this time we've worked to add options for fiction readers, teens, and younger children on the 1st floor. Patrons have been very understanding, and we appreciate that more than any of us can say!

We continue to enjoy interacting with the crew on this project. They are friendly and incredibly professional!

We're excited to announce that construction will soon begin on our renovation project! 

Construction begins on Monday, December 4, on the second floor and basement. Library services will be available on the first floor only during this time, projected at two months. We will not hold children's programming in December, and library book clubs will meet offsite.

Sometime in February, the first floor will close for construction, along with the center staircase. Library services will be available on the second floor, with entry through the side (parking lot) entrance. This stage is projected to take three months, with a completion date in April.

We are helped through this process by McKee Associates (general contractor), Dimension IV (architecture and design), Monroe Heating, PDC, and Yerges Moving. Ray White, our architect, has been a part of the project for a long time—he was also the architect when this building was transformed from the clinic into the library.

We are thankful for all our donors, supporters, and users, who make the library a priority in the life of this community. We're so happy to be here.

Follow this blog for updates!