By Melanie Petrucci, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – There is excitement building in the center of Shrewsbury. Those that pass through regularly have witnessed the progress of the construction of Shrewsbury’s new library. As of early February, the library is 70 percent constructed and on target for “substantial completion” by May 31. The library will be, at that point, turned over to the town for ownership, according to Library Director Ellen Dolan. Remaining after that point will be the completion of information technology and finishing the interior.
“The current plan is to open either at the end of the summer or early fall of this year,” Dolan said.
She credited the team consisting of construction management by Fontaine Bros., Inc.,
project management by PMA Consulting, and architectural firm Lamoureux Pagano & Associates, Inc., for a well-run operation.
Dolan reported that the contingency fund (funds set aside for unforeseen expenses) has not been utilized and most likely will not be at this stage of construction. Unused funds will be returned to the community.
Passersby will notice at this point that the exterior is making good progress and is virtually complete. Cornices, copper plating and specialty windows are being installed as well as glass doors at both ends of the building.
The interior is also moving along at a brisk pace. Painting on the upper floor is complete and wood trim is being installed. On the main floor, painting has begun and installation of wallboard on the lower level is under way. Custom circulation desks are being constructed and most of the electrical is roughed in. The plumbing is complete and they are finishing the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The main staircase is not yet complete with custom craftsmanship yet to come.
Dolan noted that the process of putting furnishings, fixtures and equipment out to bid is under way, overseen by a sub-committee of the Building Committee. Lamoureux Pagano & Associates, Inc., is responsible for interior colors and surfaces and has consultants working on furnishings.
The automated handling system and radio frequency identification (RFID) equipment bid has just been completed. Books and materials are currently being converted from the bar code system to RFID. This will allow for library staff to make the checking out of materials more efficient and improve the security of its inventory. Library patrons will be able to self-check their books and library staff will be able to manage library shelves more efficiently, tracking stock and making sure books are properly shelved.
One of the last items to be installed will be the stained-glass window that was removed from the east-facing wall of the original building and restored by Guarducci Stained Glass Studios in Great Barrington.
In addition, Robert “Chief Joseph” Terkanian donated a story garden-themed mosaic with a fieldstone wall around its edge in the children’s courtyard. This will feature statuaries and seating.
“This will be a delightful outdoor space for children and their families,” Dolan said.
The Capital Campaign for the private fundraising portion of the project is currently just under $1.6 million with a $1.75 million goal. Dolan explained that for a donor to be included on the inside donor wall (which includes any gift of $5,000 or more), the donation needs to be made by Sunday, May 1. All gifts of $100 or more will be listed in a commemorative book and those donations need to be in by the end of May. If people are still interested in giving beyond that point, any additional funds raised beyond the goal will go toward the establishment of an endowment fund that will support the library and will be managed, along with all donor funds, through the Shrewsbury Public Library Foundation.
The Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library also supports the library, providing approximately $25,000 per year to the library, and its April 30 Treasure in the Trunk fundraiser will benefit the Library Capital Campaign.
For more information about the Shrewsbury Public Library, the Capital Campaign or the Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library, visit https://shrewsburyma.gov/344/Library.
