Tomorrow is the day!
The roof replacement project is slated to begin. You will not be able to view the actual work being done, as it is the interior pitched and flat roof being replaced. These are not visible from ground level. During the project, the parking spaces closest to the building will not be available for use, with the exception of the two handicapped spaces. A project dumpster will be located on the closed spaces, as well as providing space for the crane that will be needed to move the roofing material on the flat portion of the roof.
One recent question I received regarding the roof replacement project is that the building is just under 20 years old - and shingle should last 25 years. That is true. However, a significant portion of the Library's roof is flat. It can be seen in aerial views of the Library, such as satellite images of the downtown area. Housed on this flat area are the four HVAC units that cool the Library building, which is why it is screened from view. Expected to last 15-20 years, this flat roof is just shy of its 19th birthday, installed in late 1990.
Given the lovely weather we've been experiencing, we hope that the project will be complete in approximately five working days.
Apologies in advance for any inconvenience caused by the project. Your patience and cooperation is appreciated!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Parking Question
There's been a lot of speculation recently about the concept plans for the northwest corner of Lockport Street and Route 59. That corner lot is adjacent to the Route 59 parking lot, currently owned by the Village and contracted for purchase by the Library next year. Which brings us to the issue of parking.
Parking is a pivotal issue for any business in the downtown and particularly so for the Library.
The way the Village ordinances allow businesses to count parking in the downtown, all parking within 150' of the business' front door is counted, regardless of who owns it. This means that the spaces in the Route 59 parking lot could conceivably be counted by the proposed new office building on the corner, the Library, Plymouth Congregational Church, Baci, Tawny Tortoise - every business along Lockport Street. The point is, one parking space counted as parking for half a dozen different businesses is still a single parking space. The pressure on the downtown parking lots is increased as Library use continues to grow - averaging 10% more visits each year for the last five.
With the acquisition of the Route 59 parking lot, the Library will own a majority of the parking on the block. Being good neighbors is of utmost importance to the Library Board. The Library's parking lots will remain public for the foreseeable future, with the exception of designating some staff spaces. The Library will work with the Village and our neighbors to ensure that any changes to the parking lots balance the needs of the Library, the needs of our neighbors, and the commitment of the Village to provide public parking. That balance is not easy, or simple to achieve. But the Library Board's mantra is to be good stewards of the taxpayers' dollars and do the best we can with what we have. Finding that perfect solution may take some time, but I am confident that we can work together to get there.
Parking is a pivotal issue for any business in the downtown and particularly so for the Library.
The way the Village ordinances allow businesses to count parking in the downtown, all parking within 150' of the business' front door is counted, regardless of who owns it. This means that the spaces in the Route 59 parking lot could conceivably be counted by the proposed new office building on the corner, the Library, Plymouth Congregational Church, Baci, Tawny Tortoise - every business along Lockport Street. The point is, one parking space counted as parking for half a dozen different businesses is still a single parking space. The pressure on the downtown parking lots is increased as Library use continues to grow - averaging 10% more visits each year for the last five.
With the acquisition of the Route 59 parking lot, the Library will own a majority of the parking on the block. Being good neighbors is of utmost importance to the Library Board. The Library's parking lots will remain public for the foreseeable future, with the exception of designating some staff spaces. The Library will work with the Village and our neighbors to ensure that any changes to the parking lots balance the needs of the Library, the needs of our neighbors, and the commitment of the Village to provide public parking. That balance is not easy, or simple to achieve. But the Library Board's mantra is to be good stewards of the taxpayers' dollars and do the best we can with what we have. Finding that perfect solution may take some time, but I am confident that we can work together to get there.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Roof Replacement This Fall - Weather Permitting
During the heavy rains last week, the Board of Trustees voted to accept the bid of National Roofing to replace both the flat roof and shingles on the inner half of the pitched roof. No sooner was the decision made, the roof sprung new leaks! The flat portion of the nearly 20-year old roof leaks in new places with each heavy rainfall, even as each leak is patched. Though Head of Maintenance Chuck Peterman and his crew are good at making the library look clean and well-kept, the recurring water stains on the ceiling tiles may have caught your eye. We'll be trading our annual roofing maintenance contract for a 15-year warranty on the new roofing system.
A pre-construction meeting will be held tomorrow, after which I hope to have a better idea of when we might have this done! Of course, any schedule we may make is completely dependent on the weather...
A pre-construction meeting will be held tomorrow, after which I hope to have a better idea of when we might have this done! Of course, any schedule we may make is completely dependent on the weather...
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Apologies for neglecting you!
With finalizing roofing project specifications, the Illinois Library Association conference, staff In-Service Day, and the audit all occurring within the last 10 days, I did make it back to update you on what's going on. Suffice to say: A LOT!
The Illinois Library Association conference was held in beautiful downtown Peoria. I learned something new at every session I attended. Two of our Trustees attended the Trustee Day for training. Board President Sharon Kinley had a list of question for me before lunch that day! :-) Quite a few of our fabulous staff participated on panels, at Talk Tables and made presentations. Lousie Svehla presented our Text-a-Librarian service. Michelle Roubal moderated a panel, and Kara Kohn participated on that panel, about revitalizing adult reading programs. I think I'm missing at least one more, so staff will have to harass me later about my lack of memory. Staff also did the best they could to economize, since we had so many attending. We carpooled, shared rooms, and took advantage of vendor-sponsored meal events to keep costs down.
The Library's auditors are here an wrapping up the in-house portion of the annual audit. With a temporary person from May through July and a new Accountant coming in, it's a little more complex than past years. Everything is there, it's just under someone else's filing system so each piece takes just a bit longer to find.
Staff enjoyed an In-Service training day on Columbus Day. The Library does two In-Service training days per year: Columbus Day and Martin Luther King Day. These are mandatory for staff and can cover anything from how to use a the MyMediaMall downloadable collection to reviewing policies.
The bid opening for the roof replacement project is this afternoon. Representatives from roofing companies interested in bidding have been all over the roof for the past 10 days. Keep your fingers crossed that the bids are lower than expected!
The Illinois Library Association conference was held in beautiful downtown Peoria. I learned something new at every session I attended. Two of our Trustees attended the Trustee Day for training. Board President Sharon Kinley had a list of question for me before lunch that day! :-) Quite a few of our fabulous staff participated on panels, at Talk Tables and made presentations. Lousie Svehla presented our Text-a-Librarian service. Michelle Roubal moderated a panel, and Kara Kohn participated on that panel, about revitalizing adult reading programs. I think I'm missing at least one more, so staff will have to harass me later about my lack of memory. Staff also did the best they could to economize, since we had so many attending. We carpooled, shared rooms, and took advantage of vendor-sponsored meal events to keep costs down.
The Library's auditors are here an wrapping up the in-house portion of the annual audit. With a temporary person from May through July and a new Accountant coming in, it's a little more complex than past years. Everything is there, it's just under someone else's filing system so each piece takes just a bit longer to find.
Staff enjoyed an In-Service training day on Columbus Day. The Library does two In-Service training days per year: Columbus Day and Martin Luther King Day. These are mandatory for staff and can cover anything from how to use a the MyMediaMall downloadable collection to reviewing policies.
The bid opening for the roof replacement project is this afternoon. Representatives from roofing companies interested in bidding have been all over the roof for the past 10 days. Keep your fingers crossed that the bids are lower than expected!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Thanks to 95.9 The River
This morning I stopped by Larry's Diner to talk about the Library live on-air with DJ Scott Mackay from 95.9 The River. Thanks to Scott and the staff of The River for having me on to talk about our fabulous Library!
Scott thought my comment that we are "not your grandmother's library" was interesting and that library use would be dwindling. But in our Library, like others around the nation, is busier than ever! More people look to the Library for Internet access and entertainment. We can't keep up with the demand for storytimes and other kids programming. As the only resource in the community for free computer use with Internet access, foot traffic has skyrocketed. Our residents look to the Library for things like DVDs and CDs, that they can get without charge. Many services are available electronically 24/7 like databases and homework help. You can download ebooks, audiobooks and videos without leaving the comfort of home. Our Library is definitely not what it was even ten years ago.
Unfortunately, unlike for-profit businesses, tough times mean dwindling funding for libraries despite the boom in use. State grant funding has fallen 47% this year alone. Lower property values will reduce the property tax money that makes up over 85% of the Library's budget. We're doing more with less everyday.
Scott and the other DJs from the River will be broadcasting live from Larry's all day long, so stop by and say hello. Tell them the Library sent you!
Scott thought my comment that we are "not your grandmother's library" was interesting and that library use would be dwindling. But in our Library, like others around the nation, is busier than ever! More people look to the Library for Internet access and entertainment. We can't keep up with the demand for storytimes and other kids programming. As the only resource in the community for free computer use with Internet access, foot traffic has skyrocketed. Our residents look to the Library for things like DVDs and CDs, that they can get without charge. Many services are available electronically 24/7 like databases and homework help. You can download ebooks, audiobooks and videos without leaving the comfort of home. Our Library is definitely not what it was even ten years ago.
Unfortunately, unlike for-profit businesses, tough times mean dwindling funding for libraries despite the boom in use. State grant funding has fallen 47% this year alone. Lower property values will reduce the property tax money that makes up over 85% of the Library's budget. We're doing more with less everyday.
Scott and the other DJs from the River will be broadcasting live from Larry's all day long, so stop by and say hello. Tell them the Library sent you!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Old Building, New Problems
Along with all of the interior changes to shelving and space use, Trustees and staff have also been assessing the condition of the building and its systems with an eye to keeping it functional for another 3-5 years before renovating or expanding. In your November/December Library newsletter, the cover article will be on this very topic.
The building is old, fast approaching its 20th year. It is a well-used public building, meaning that it gets significant wear-and-tear. It also has some quirks. Take the HVAC system for example. For some reason unknown to me or any Trustee/staff member who was here at the time, the rooftop air conditioning unit added when the lower level was built out in 1996 is a model designed for the Canadian market, making it difficult to obtain parts when needed. Another example: rubber membrane roofing was used to cover the sides of the gable for the roof access door, like siding. Not a standard use of the product, by any means.
Overall, the age of the building means that all of the systems with 15-20 years expected service lives are no longer as reliable as they once were. Things are starting to break down. You may remember our recurring elevator issues this summer or the roof leaks from the spring. The roofing issues are more immediate now, as they are increasing over time. Look for a roof repair and replacement project going to bid in early October.
This project will repair damaged portions of the shingled roof and entirely replace the rubber membrane portion, plus the decking and insulation beneath that portion. About one third of the Library's roof is flat, though it cannot be seen from street level. Four rooftop air conditioning units and the skylight over the main stairwell are hidden from view by the pitched, shingled portions of the roof.
Funds for the roof repair and replacement will come from the Library's only capital and emergency fund: the Special Reserve Fund. With sources of income for this fund being transfers in from the General (aka Operating) Fund and Developer's Annexation Fees, which are collected through an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Plainfield, its income has dropped sharply. In FY2006, over $244,000 was collected from those fees. In FY2009, it was just over $13,000. Special Reserve Funds were used to purchase the property at 15022 S. Division Street during FY2009 and will be used to complete the contracted purchase of the Route 59 parking lot in 2010. Today's Special Reserve Fund balance is $600,000, which includes the earmarked funds for that contracted purchase and the roof repair and replacement.
The building is old, fast approaching its 20th year. It is a well-used public building, meaning that it gets significant wear-and-tear. It also has some quirks. Take the HVAC system for example. For some reason unknown to me or any Trustee/staff member who was here at the time, the rooftop air conditioning unit added when the lower level was built out in 1996 is a model designed for the Canadian market, making it difficult to obtain parts when needed. Another example: rubber membrane roofing was used to cover the sides of the gable for the roof access door, like siding. Not a standard use of the product, by any means.
Overall, the age of the building means that all of the systems with 15-20 years expected service lives are no longer as reliable as they once were. Things are starting to break down. You may remember our recurring elevator issues this summer or the roof leaks from the spring. The roofing issues are more immediate now, as they are increasing over time. Look for a roof repair and replacement project going to bid in early October.
This project will repair damaged portions of the shingled roof and entirely replace the rubber membrane portion, plus the decking and insulation beneath that portion. About one third of the Library's roof is flat, though it cannot be seen from street level. Four rooftop air conditioning units and the skylight over the main stairwell are hidden from view by the pitched, shingled portions of the roof.
Funds for the roof repair and replacement will come from the Library's only capital and emergency fund: the Special Reserve Fund. With sources of income for this fund being transfers in from the General (aka Operating) Fund and Developer's Annexation Fees, which are collected through an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Plainfield, its income has dropped sharply. In FY2006, over $244,000 was collected from those fees. In FY2009, it was just over $13,000. Special Reserve Funds were used to purchase the property at 15022 S. Division Street during FY2009 and will be used to complete the contracted purchase of the Route 59 parking lot in 2010. Today's Special Reserve Fund balance is $600,000, which includes the earmarked funds for that contracted purchase and the roof repair and replacement.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Where Do I Go?
The new overhead signs in the Library are being installed this morning! The new signage is a flexible system that can be easily and economically changed to reflect the shifting collections of the Library. Unlike the existing signs, which are a custom color and imprinted, the new signs were selected from a local vendor in a standard color and popular overhead sign design with printed inserts that can be removed and updated.
The custom imprinted signs had become outdated. Since they were made, the Library has added collections like Foreign Language, Books on CD, DVDs, and Graphic Novels. The Youth Services Computer Area was created. Rooms have been repurposed like the Computer Classroom and Original Library Room.
New signs reflect the changes being made in the the Library's use of space and collections. Like the existing furnishings and shelving, the overhead signs can be easily incorporated for use in a renovation or expansion in the future. I hope the new signs help you find what you need more easily!
The custom imprinted signs had become outdated. Since they were made, the Library has added collections like Foreign Language, Books on CD, DVDs, and Graphic Novels. The Youth Services Computer Area was created. Rooms have been repurposed like the Computer Classroom and Original Library Room.
New signs reflect the changes being made in the the Library's use of space and collections. Like the existing furnishings and shelving, the overhead signs can be easily incorporated for use in a renovation or expansion in the future. I hope the new signs help you find what you need more easily!
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