We've been waiting for the day when the columns would come down, and today was the day! Library staff was happy to get in on the demolition! First up was Technical Services Manager (and former Children's Librarian) Linda Olson! Next it was Jen Tanko's turn! Jen's a member of our staff who works in the Children's Room most of the time. She was very excited to help out. And last (but certainly not least!) it was librarian Susan Mattson's turn to push over a column. Just a reminder, we're closing early tonight at 5:30 p.m. and will be closed tomorrow so the crew can remove the carpet and do asbestos abatement in the Children's Room. We will re-open Saturday morning at 10 a.m.
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1. First and foremost, there will be a temporary closure for carpet removal and asbestos abatement at the end of the week. Here is the library's schedule this week: 2. Work on the Children's Room begins this week, so we've temporarily relocated Children's materials, furniture, (and the Children's Librarian) to a location just outside of the Children's Room. Children's Room activities like the Craft of the Month and the Winter Reading Program are still available, so ask a librarian for the craft or a Winter Reading Program bingo card. 3. The Children's Room computers have been temporarily relocated. We've changed the log-in credentials on four of the Adult computers to allow access only for patrons age 17 and younger. You'll find them clearly marked on the same side as the public printer. The computer on very end to the left is a catalog computer and can be used by patrons of all ages. Adult library cards will not work on the Children's computers. If you are 18+, you'll need to use the computers on the other side. Ask a librarian if you need help logging in. 4. Tuesday Storytime will be held at the Billings Park Civic Center this week. Join us Tuesday at 10:30 for stories, crafts, and fun! Billings Park Civic Center is located at 3903 N 18th Street. Next week's Tuesday Storytime on February 20 will return to the library and will be held in the Library Chandelier Area. Since we don't want boots and shoes on the brand-new carpet, this storytime will be a Cute Sock Storytime--kids are encouraged to wear their cutest and most creative socks to this special storytime. Prizes will be awarded! After February 20, Tuesday Storytime will be back at the Billings Park Civic Center until further notice. 5. Monday night Lego Club is still on at the library! Join us Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. and build something AWESOME will the library's huge collection of Legos! 6. The last thing (and we know you're sick of hearing it!), is that we want to thank you for your continued patience while we undergo this much-needed remodel. You've been fantastic supporters in the midst of chaos, and we appreciate it very much! As always, if you're looking for something and can't find it, please ask a librarian and we will be happy to help you.
Things are moving right along at the library! Here are a few pics of the future Teen Focus area from the past couple of days. Up next: the Children's Room! Don't be alarmed by the empty shelves! These items are just being temporarily relocated before work begins in the Children's Room. We are gradually relocating the Children's materials to the shelves near the computers. If you're looking for the Children's collection, look for the toys on top of the stacks--that's where you'll find them. And, as always, if you have trouble finding what you're looking for, ask a librarian for help and we will be happy to assist you.
This week we prepared our Young Adult area for carpet removal and demolition! We are closed for carpet removal and asbestos abatement until Monday, January 29. To prepare for this work, the Young Adult and Express computers were put into temporary storage, the public printer, Young Adult collection, and Recently Returned shelves were relocated, and the study room doors and work surfaces were removed. The doors from this area are not going to the landfill--they're still in great shape and may be re-used in another part of the library. If they can't be re-used, they'll be donated to the Habitat for Humanity Restore. Features of our new Teen Focus area will include:
It's going to be fantastic and super teen-friendly! Here are a few pics of the old Young Adult area, cleared out and ready for demolition. Stay tuned for more updates from the library! And as always, thank you for your patience during the remodeling project!
It's true for both life and remodeling projects--sometimes plans change! Due to a slight delay with the materials for our new Circulation Desk, Phase Two construction won't start for a couple of weeks. In the meantime, we're going to move right on into Phase Three--the new Teen Focus area! As with the carpet in Phase One, there will be an abatement period for the asbestos in the adhesive under the old carpet tiles. This will take place late next week. The library will be closed Friday, January 26 and Saturday, January 27 for asbestos abatement. We will re-open at 9 a.m. on Monday, January 29. Here's a look at the current space. The public access printer has been temporarily relocated to a table next to the internet computers. If you have trouble finding it, ask a librarian to show you where it is. Here's a look at a rendering of what the space will look like after it's completed. This new Teen Focus area will feature a variety of comfortable seating and work surfaces especially for our Young Adult patrons. This is also where the Young Adult computers will be located. We've had to relocate some of our materials in order to prepare for Phase 3 construction.
Carpet installation in the Phase One area began last week! The construction crew has been hard at work laying the new carpet in the chandelier area, along the front windows, and in the area where the new Circulation Desk will be. The next step of Phase One is installing the new Circulation Desk! Once the new desk is installed and we have been relocated to the new space, work can begin on the new Circulation Office, computer lab, and "hands-on" meeting room--a new space that will be perfect for quilting groups, crafters, and other "makers!"
Now that the Phase One carpet removal and asbestos abatement is finished, the construction crew has been sawing concrete to install power lines for our new Circulation Desk! The new desk will be centrally located with better access and improved visibility. Take a look at the photos below. With the concrete pieces standing upright, they kind of look like Stonehenge, don't you think? We can't say it enough: THANK YOU for your patience during the closure this week. We know you miss the library, and we're happy to be re-opening tomorrow at 10 a.m. Please be aware that there will be areas marked off with "Caution" tape throughout the construction project. We'll see you tomorrow!
The crew from Mavo Systems has been hard at work removing the old carpet tiles from the area where the first phase of the construction will occur. The asbestos is contained in the adhesive underneath the old carpet tiles. After removing the old tiles, the crew applies a solvent to the floor. The solvent congeals and sawdust is laid down to collect the ACM (asbestos containing material). The contained asbestos fibers are removed along with the solvent and sawdust. The material is taken away and disposed of in the methods required by law. Asbestos fibers are not able to become airborne during this process. The solvent used during the abatement process has a strong odor. The abatement crew wears respiratory and eye protection when they're working with the solvent. For this reason, we're closed until Saturday, January 6 for the safety of our patrons.
Well, it's official: the library will be closed January 2-5 for asbestos abatement. Pre-remodel testing found asbestos-containing material under the carpet in several areas around the library.
Here are some FAQs about the upcoming abatement process: What kind of asbestos is in the library? The asbestos is in the mastic (glue) left over from floor tiles removed during the 1992 building remodel. At that time the mastic was covered over but not removed. This floor tile asbestos is a “non-friable” type meaning it is not airborne and is not dangerous unless disturbed. Removing the carpet will disturb this mastic, so the carpet and mastic must be removed by a licensed asbestos abatement company. Mavo Systems of Duluth will be the company removing the carpet and they will come six times, one time for each construction phase that needs carpet removal. Is it safe to be in the library right now, before and during construction? The safety of library staff and patrons is of the utmost importance. The asbestos in our library has not been airborne and it is safe to be in the library. Asbestos only presents a health risk when fibers become airborne and are inhaled. The mere presence of ACM may not represent a health risk. Is it safe to be in the library during the abatement process? The abatement process that is used to dispose of non-friable asbestos does not need to be done in a contained area. It is safe to be in the building during the entire process. However, the solvent used in the process does have a distinct odor that is strong when first applied. Mavo Systems workers wear masks and eye protection at the application area. Will the abatement areas be contained? For non-friable asbestos, the area does not need to be contained. Plastic sheeting may be hung to help keep the area around the project clean, but is not needed as a barrier. Exhaust air units or fans may also be present to help with odor control. These units are not “cleaning” the air because the project involves non-friable ACM that does not easily release asbestos fibers. How does the abatement work? For non-friable ACM, the licensed asbestos abatement company lays a solvent on the floor as they remove the old carpet. The solvent congeals and sawdust is laid down to collect the ACM. The contained asbestos fibers are removed along with the solvent and sawdust. The material is taken away and disposed of in the methods required by law. Asbestos fibers are not able to become airborne during this process. When will the library reopen? The library will be closed December 30-January 1 for New Year's and January 2-5 for the abatement. We will reopen at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 6. What if I have materials checked out that are due while the library is closed? All due dates have been adjusted so that items will be due back to the library once we reopen. Items are never due when the library is scheduled to be closed. Will library staff be on vacation during the remodel? Are they getting paid even when the library is closed? Library staff will still be working during the abatement. If the smell isn't too terrible, staff will report to the library. Arrangements have also been made for staff to work at the Government Center. If a staff member wants to use vacation days during the closure, they have that option as well. Who can I contact if I have additional questions? Asbestos questions can be directed to SPL Director Sue Heskin, 715-394-8876 [email protected]. It happens at least once during every shift--a patron comes into the library, gazes at the empty shelves where the fiction collection used to be, turns to the librarian at the desk and asks, "What happened to all of the books?" We know it looks strange--what is a library without books? But don't worry--they will be back! Our older fiction books have been placed into temporary storage for the duration of the remodeling project. They are safe and sound and will be returned to the shelves once the project is finished. If you're looking for a fiction book, you have several options:
Did we mention that the new shelving units will be lower for easier access and improved sightlines across the library? No more standing on your tiptoes to reach a book on the top shelf! So we hope you can bear with us during this transition phase. Lots of great updates are coming, and we know you'll love the improved space. |
Greetings!Superior Public Library has proudly served the residents of Douglas County, Wisconsin since 1888. After 25 years in our current location with no major upgrades, it's time for some improvements! Follow along with our six-month remodeling project, scheduled to be completed in May 2018. Archives
April 2018
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