It's not just demo anymore!

For several weeks now, if you drove by the library, all you saw was destruction. Now, the demolition stage is nearly finished and the renovation stage is beginning. Crews have dug trenches for new electrical and low voltage cabling. The plumbing for the public restrooms has been installed and the HVAC system is underway. You can even see the foundation being dug for the addition and where the elevator will be. If you haven't driven by, be sure and do so - it is amazing to watch the progress.

Library staff continue to furnish loads of sugary treats to the workers each week in hopes that we will be able to move back in before next year's summer reading program starts! In the meantime, stop by 1270 Lee Blvd and check out the temporary location where there are plenty of books to keep you busy.

If you are watching the progression of the library building, send us your comments! We want to hear from you. What are your favorite things and activities at the library and what do you want to see continued in the new space? Do you have a favorite memory of either the library on Northgate or the library that was located behind City Hall? We'd love to hear from you.

Make Way for Ducklings!

The mallards that have frequented the library grounds for years do not seem to be afraid of a little construction. There are puddles to splash in and acorns to nibble on. At least four pair of mallards have been hanging out keeping the workers on track! Being springtime now, there could be ducklings hanging out soon as well.

Salvaging the bricks

Approximately 6,000 bricks have been salvaged so far from the partial demolition of the library. Chervenell Construction Company estimates they will use about 5,000 of those bricks to fill in gaps on walls and to replace damaged bricks.

By reusing these bricks, not only will they match, but it also cuts down on the cost of buying new. Reduce - Reuse - Recycle!

An official word from our Library Director:

"Please be sure to view the photos of the milling of the sycamore (or London Plane) trees that were removed from the site. The wood is very beautiful, pinkish, and very wet. We are milling in a way that will accommodate a number of uses but do not yet have a firm plan.

Chervenell is moving quickly on the building. Walls are down, a portion of the roof has been removed, and trenches are being cut into the concrete slab. Digging for the elevator shaft is also in progress. The site is very dirty, very noisy, and very active.

Other activity includes a review of the data and power runs and a fine-tuning of the overall plans for data and telephone, aka low voltage.

Our squirrels have moved on to quieter accommodations but several mallard pair have taken up residence, enjoying especially one of the very large puddles in the parking lot. Spring is on the way."

Thanks Ann!