Monroe Free Library expansion nears completion
MONROE — Monroe Free Library’s $1.9 million renovation is about 95 percent complete, according to a Dec. 1 progress report from Verticon Ltd., the contractor managing the project.
The contractor estimated that the construction portion of the project will be substantially completed by the last week of December. This includes finishing the installation of the heating, ventilating and air conditioning and electrical systems; siding and roofing; and interior finish work such as ceiling tiles, painting and millwork, doors and flooring.
The next progress meeting is scheduled for Dec. 22, when the libary expects to have a clear idea of the date Verticon’s construction work will be complete.
Barring any construction delays or unforeseen contingencies, library anticipates opening an expanded and reconfigured facility at 44 Millpond Parkway at the beginning of March. The doors will open with an enlarged children’s area, a Young Adult room, added capacity for books and programs, improved office spaces, and the ability to offer more services to the community.
Library officials made the information available following a Freedom of Information request by The Photo News.
In a press release prepared by Terry Schommer, a member of the library's Board of Trustees, what remains after that, is the delivery and assembly of furniture and installation of the “stacks” – the industrial shelving that will hold the collection.
The shelving is slated to be delivered to 44 Millpond Parkway on Dec. 22 and the furniture is expected on Jan. 5.
Library to be closed three to five weeks
Executive Director Marilyn McIntosh said she anticipates closing the temporary quarters in the basement at Congregation Eitz Chaim at 1465 Orange Turnpike to the public in mid-January, and the final $4,000 monthly rent payment to the Temple should be for February if everything stays on track.
Staff will begin preparing for the move and the library will be closed for anywhere from three to five weeks, to not only get everything back into the renovated building, but also to get the collection, the furnishings, the computers and phones, and everyone in place and fully ready to serve the public again.
If all goes according to plan and the shelving and furniture installation at Millpond Parkway is complete by Jan. 26, movers can then begin work to transport and arrange the nearly 80,000 books, discs and periodicals on the shelves.
The library has hired National Library Relocations, Ltd., to move the library’s inventory from its temporary quarters back to “44,” and that part of the process is expected to take one week.
Pure Telecom has already wired the building with computer and telephone cable. Once the installation of the telephone system is finished, Frontier and Cablevision will activate the circuits into the building. The staff can then set up the phones, computers and the network hardware.
Increased security will include interior and exterior video monitoring provided by NAS Security, and high speed internet will be furnished by Lightpath through RCLS.
“Monroe deserves a great library and this new space will provide more opportunities for programming and innovative initiatives," McIntosh said. "The bright colors and energy efficient utilities make this a huge win for our community. I hope everyone in Monroe will feel welcome and proud of their beautiful new library!"
Information to help patrons access library services during the closing is available at the circulation desk until “1465” closes for business, and will also be on the library’s website (monroefreelibrary.org).