We are working hard on the renovation. As with all building projects, we've encountered some obstacles, but in looking at those obstacles, we found that some of them presented new opportunities.
Costs of our early plan turned out to be too expensive, so we revised the drawings and chose more affordable materials. In doing so, we actually increased the total floor space we're adding. Now we will have an additional 1,000 square feet of usable space, thereby fulfilling one of our principle goals: a larger children's room.
Similarly, a switch to a different type of heating and air- conditioning system gained much-needed and long-desired ceiling height in the Village Center on the first floor. The new system will also provide greater energy efficiency. Plus, we're saving money by installing the new system now, with the ceiling open, rather than later, when an EPA mandate would require us to update the system.
All of this means, unfortunately, that we have had to push back our expected opening day for the new room; we now expect to open in the spring of 2010. We wish it could have been earlier. We will continue to provide children's activities in the main library and on the front lawn, and the staff will, as always, continue to provide first-rate services.
We appreciate the patience of the community. We know that when the room is open, all our patrons will enjoy a space that is large, bright and playful, as well as practical and up-to-date. We'll meet you in the toddlers' gazebo, or the puppet theater, or the new computer area for older children - in a Children's Room that is inviting to all!
