Due to the condition of the masonry just under the roof eaves and the large piece of masonry that fell several weeks ago, scaffolding will be erected to protect patrons entering and leaving the library. On Tuesday, Nov. 28th, a contracting firm will put a protective walkway at the side, handicapped accessible entrance. When they have completed that, they will put protective scaffolding leading up to the front door of the building.
Engineers checked the building thoroughly on Friday November 17th. They found that there are areas of the roof where water is leaking between the exterior wall and the eaves. When this water freezes, it can cause the stone to split and separate. The engineering firm estimates we can get through one more winter before the problem becomes acute.
Please use caution when entering the building. When the scaffolding is up, please walk underneath it for your own safety. We have professionals checking the roof leaks. They will produce a report delineating exactly what must be fixed next year.
If you have any questions or concerns, please phone Library Director Catherine Creedon at 725-0049, extension 23.
Update - November 28, 2006
The scaffolding company erected the scaffolding today in a matter of hours. We will soon have lights installed under the roofs created by the scaffolding over the walkways, but this may take a day or so. In the meantime, please be careful when navigating these areas after dark.
The Library Board of Trustees is awaiting the full report of the engineer who inspected the roof last week. Last night the Trustees saw some photographs of the roof, taken from the roof by our contractor, Doug Renna. The pictures show the source not only of the library leaks but the reason why bits of the building have fallen off. It is entirely possible that more bits and pieces of masonry will fall this winter as water gets in the cracks and freezes, causing the stone to separate. So, to further protect patrons, staff, and those just walking by, we will be errecting a safety fence around the building to keep people away from areas where masonry may fall.
The Board is assessing its options in terms of the repair of the roof with the help of the engineer, Doug Renna, and local architect and LDC Building Committee Chair Fred Stelle.
Update - December 4, 2006
The areas immediately surrounding the library building have been marked with orange plastic fencing as off-limits to everyone as a safety precaution. As we learned from the engineer and local architect, Fred Stelle, it will not be a surprise if a harsh winter causes more damage and more falling debris. Please respect our efforts to keep all of us safe by staying away from the building and outside of the orange fencing.
In addition, lights have now to be installed on the underside of the scaffolding protecting the handicapped access side door, which should make it safer and more pleasant to enter and leave the building via that entrance after dark.