Construction Updates

The Library will begin interior renovation work on Monday, April 13, as part of the ongoing repair project following water damage caused by the winter ice storm.

This phase of the project includes carpet replacement, along with related repairs and improvements in several areas of the building. Work will affect the Main Library, Teen Room, Hurr Room, Children’s Room, and office areas.

Although the carpet in the Children’s Room was salvageable, it had already been scheduled for replacement next year. Because work in that area was already going to cause disruption, the Library expanded the project to replace the carpet now. Completing the work at the same time is more efficient and more cost-effective.

The Library will remain open during the project, but visitors should expect:

• rotating closures of some areas
• reduced seating throughout the building
• noise, dust, and general disruption
• temporary interruption of some services, including computers, printing, and copying

Specific service impacts will vary as work moves through the building. We will post updates here regularly so visitors know what to expect.

We will post updates here regularly so visitors know what to expect as work moves through the building.

We appreciate your patience as we complete these improvements and work to restore and refresh affected areas of the building. More information is available in the Library Director’s letter to the community.

After several roof repairs this winter, the Library is thrilled to be moving ahead with a major capital project to replace the flat rubber EPDM roof section of the building.

Sealed bids for the project were received on March 27, and the Library has identified an apparent low bidder. The bid review process is underway, and a formal announcement will be made once the contract has been finalized.

We are excited to finally undertake this important project. Replacing the roof is an important step in protecting the building, addressing ongoing maintenance needs, and helping prevent future damage.

The project is expected to take place this spring, although a specific start date has not yet been announced. Once the contract is finalized and the construction schedule is confirmed, we will share additional details, including any anticipated impact on parking, access, or library services.

Thank you for your continued patience and support.

We will be undertaking two significant facility projects this spring to improve the comfort, safety, and long-term condition of the building.

1. Storm Damage Repairs

• The Library has received insurance funds to complete interior repairs related to the December storm. This work is extensive and will include carpet, drywall, baseboard, paint, and shelving repairs and replacement.
• The project is expected to begin later this month and continue for approximately 6–8 weeks. Work will affect areas of the main library, Children’s Room, Teen Room, Hurr Room, and administrative office area. During this time, visitors should expect some temporary service and space impacts, including limited seating, temporary closures of certain areas, and closure of the quiet seating area for the duration of the project.
• We will share weekly public updates so visitors know what to expect and which areas may be affected.

2. Phase 2 Construction Project: Roof Replacement

• This spring, the Library will also move forward with replacement of the entire flat EPDM portion of the roof. This is a planned capital project, with funding already set aside through library savings and anticipated construction grant support.
• Project bid documents are currently available. Contractors interested in requesting bid documents may contact Wainschaf Associates at beth@waiconstruction.com.
• Questions about the roof replacement project may be directed to Jill Dugas Hughes, Library Director, at director@eglibrary.org

We anticipate both the roof project and the interior storm damage repairs will take place this spring. Thank you for your continued patience and support as we work to make your library more secure, functional, and comfortable for the years ahead.

We’re thrilled to share that all windows are installed and the EIFS work is officially complete! The finishing touches are almost done- this includes the entryway carpet, entryway doors, and a few minor details on the interior window sills. Phase 1 is nearing completion and have already begun moving towards Phase 2 where we plan to replace the flat membrane roof. We received preliminary notice of initial approval for a construction grant for 66% of the total anticipated project cost ($387,615). There are several more stages before the grant award is official. Additionally, we are working with Assembly Person John McDonald’s office on securing funding for Phase 3.

After taking a short break for our Summer Reading Program, construction is back in full swing today. This week’s work includes installing the last of the new windows—among them, the drive-thru window and the largest windows in the main library and children’s room.

We’re working hard to keep dust under control, but some noise is unavoidable and may make quiet study a bit challenging. The library will stay open, and we truly appreciate your patience as we move closer to the finished project.

We’re making great progress! Crews are currently applying the final coat to the EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System), with about one week of work remaining. Once that’s complete, the EIFS will be complete— an exciting milestone!

In even better news, the long-awaited windows have arrived and are ready for installation. The installation is scheduled to take place from May 27 through June 13, weather permitting. Please note that these dates may shift slightly depending on progress, but we are aiming to install the meeting room windows on specific days to limit program interruptions.

Thank you for your continued support as we move closer to completing exterior renovations!

Work on the next phase of our exterior renovation project began yesterday with the start of building powerwashing. Crews are working their way around the full perimeter of the building, beginning at the rear and moving systematically to clean the entire surface.

The powerwashing is a critical step in preparing for the installation of the new EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System). It ensures all biological growth—such as mold, mildew, and algae—is fully removed so that the new exterior can adhere properly and perform as intended.

In addition to the powerwashing, exterior lighting installation is continuing this week as planned. You may notice ongoing work near entryways and canopy areas as crews update and install new fixtures.

Please note: the drive-thru window is scheduled to be closed Thursday and Friday this week to accommodate the exterior work in that area. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we move through this important renovation phase!

The building power wash remains on hold due to ongoing wet weather. In the meantime, we are working to minimize muddy conditions around the site.

Next week, permanent lighting will be installed under the front entry and drive-thru canopies. This work is expected to cause minor traffic disruptions from Wednesday, April 16 through Friday, April 18.

Please note: the drive-thru will be closed Thursday, April 17 and Friday, April 18 to ensure a safe installation process.

If you need accommodations to pick up a hold or return items during the closure, please call the library—our staff will be happy to assist you outside.

After a winter hiatus, we are preparing to resume construction work. Unfortunately, winter was tough on Community Way- the shared road between the Library, YMCA, and Hawthorne Ridge. Repairs to the potholes are scheduled to begin early next week, weather permitting.

Additionally, over the next few weeks, we will be conducting a thorough power washing of the building’s EIFS in preparation for the new building skin. The timeline for this work will also depend on weather conditions. We’ll keep you updated as plans become more concrete. Thank you for your patience and support!

Stage two tile work will begin after-hours on Tuesday, November 12. This stage will include the replacement of the interior mosaic. Installation is scheduled to continue through Friday, November 15. Access to the main entry and meeting rooms will not be impacted, and access through the main hallway will be temporarily confined to 3 feet on either side of the mosaic. Thank you for your continued patience with our interior work. Once this stage is over, we will move on to replace the entryway carpet walk-off mats. As always, we welcome your input or questions.