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Most of the work will not affect library operations but the library anticipates closing for roughly four days between June 15 and 23 for the pouring and drying of cement on the stairs.
Late May and early June will also bring a few days of lack of handicapped accessibility. Library Director Mary Hogan said the library is also happy to assist with wheelchair-bound and other patients affected by the ramp interruption.
She urges people to call 258-7621 or log on to http://www.rockyhilllibrary.info/ for specific closing information or assistance requests as the work and curing times are largely weather dependent. During the closing the library book drops will be available and there will be a moratorium on fines. Residents area also welcome at other area libraries.
The library will not close during the installation of the new roof and the contractors, All Phase Enterprises of Stafford Springs, Conn., has a system set up to ensure safety and has even agreed to work around events like story times.
"That doesn't impact the library at all other than noise," she told library trustees the other night.
Richard G. Cooke, director of Facilities Management for the town said the architectural shingles will come with a 50 year warranty and match other town buildings in the vicinity - such as the police station and town hall.
Other aspects such as lighting and custom made railings will also fit in with the visuals of the area.
"We wanted to have a unified campus," Cooke said.
Cooke also talked about the HVAC work. He said it is a significant portion of the project that may not immediately be apparent to residents.
The four aged systems will be replaced one at a time and in phases, he said
"That way the impact will be minimal," he said.
In addition, boilers decades old will be replaces with high efficiency gas condenser boilers that not only operate better but will also save the town money over time.
The work being done is not all inclusive of what the town hopes to accomplish at the library.
The contract is for $672,935 with the rest going to the architect and contingency fees.
The town, did however ask the architect - Schoenardt, based in the Tariffville section of Simsbury, to document the cost of everything that needs to be done.
"The priorities had to rise to the top," Hogan said.
One advantage is that the project is "shovel ready" should federal stimulus funds be available for the project. Although that does not seem likely at the moment, Hogan said she will continue to look for other funding options.
"We always knew we didn't have enough funding," she said.
Some of the other work the library hopes will come in the near future includes new windows at roughly $138,000, restrooms for roughly $81,000, fencing for about $10,000, lighting pegged at $197,000 and carpeting at $101,000.
