A new look: Work continuing on replacing library flooring, more changes ahead

The Bartholomew County Public Library has reopened subsequent a quick closure for flooring replacement that marked the start off of a 7-month job.

The closure, which lasted from March 6 to March 10, is expected to be the only time the complete library shuts down all through the creating-wide endeavor, stated library Director Jason Hatton. On the other hand, smaller, departmental closures are expected to manifest throughout the system, which has an estimated September completion date.

“Things genuinely went pretty perfectly very last 7 days, and we’re off to a superior commence this week,” explained Hatton.

The front entryway has been completed, and lessen-stage places close to the staircase and elevator have been tiled. Personnel also taken out flooring tiles from the staff room owing to worries about the doable presence of asbestos and are now positioning new tile in the location.

Operate is heading on in front of the circulation desk as perfectly. Contractors have ripped up the carpet and are “grinding down the adhesive,” he stated.

As a outcome, the circulation desk has been briefly moved to reverse side of the front entryway. It is now on the left of those people coming into the setting up and will remain there right until the tile is completed. Library staff are hopeful that tiling in this location will start nowadays.

“The main staircase is inaccessible at this time, but floors are simple to navigate using the elevator or staircases exterior to the making,” library staff members shared.

Thanks to some supplies arriving quicker than envisioned, do the job on the back again staircase may possibly begin future 7 days or the week immediately after, explained Hatton.

Additionally, the flooring job is envisioned to bring about closures of diverse library departments in the coming months.

“Those’ll just be piece by piece as we transfer by means of,” explained Hatton. “And we’ll make guaranteed that as people departments are shut, we will have variety of vital providers from those people departments with some, nevertheless some resources and provider details to be able to nonetheless make absolutely sure we’re serving the public.”

The tough timetable of these closures is as follows:

• Huge print and graphic novels — May perhaps
• Children’s office — June
• Nonfiction locations — July
• Fiction — August
• DVDs — September

The estimated value of the undertaking is approximately $800,000. This features $550,000 for the flooring deal, as perfectly as other costs this kind of as relocating bookcases, development management, contingency service fees and acoustic work.

He stated that the span of the flooring challenge is thorough, with “every one flooring surface” in the library set to be updated.

“We just check with folks to bear with us, and it is heading to be attractive when it is done,” stated Hatton.