The Building still Needs Fixing!

Here is a list I recently prepared for our Library Board of the problems that exist in our Main Library. 

Building Plans

I have surveyed the building for areas and issues that are important to address and reviewed the engineer’s report submitted as part of the Dattner Concept Report.  The first several points listed below are taken from that engineer’s report, dated June 12, 2009. In the intervening 2 ½ years, all of these problems listed below have only become more pronounced.

Mechanical and Electrical

• The boiler, which would have a few more years of useful life, contains inherent problems, because of a poor installation which has lead to cracked sections and gasket leaks. In the last two years, we have paid significant amounts to repair leaks in the boiler.
•  The HVAC  system, as we know, has a tower that is no longer viable, reheat coils that are at the end of their useful life expectancy, and ventilation fans that are old and in need of replacement.  
• The electrical service and power distribution system, as described in the report, had yet to be tested to ascertain whether their condition is adequate.  However, the numerous power supply problems in 2011 alone indicate that the library does not have an electrical system that is adequate. Our electrician has made 9 service calls to repair problems ranging from new circuitry to replacing defective and inefficient light fixtures.  In addition all exit lighting is of the original installation.
• Fire Alarm System:  This system is of the original installation and is nearing the end of its useful life, according to the engineer’s report.  From personal experience, during the fire drill that was run at Main it took much longer to reset the system due to its age.  The pull boxes in Main are original and much smaller and harder to use than newer installations. 
• Roof and storm water systems:  Storm water is currently collected on flat roofs and drained through two 8-inch and one 10-inch storm leader which terminate on the lower level of the building discharging directly into Udall’s Pond.  All exposed piping appears to be in “fair” condition.
• The roof appears to be in fair to poor condition and the roof drains should be replaced when the building is re-roofed.  The roof under the cooling tower is not properly pitched and ponding occurs.  We have had numerous leaks in various places throughout the building which are repaired and sometimes re-occur in the same spots.  I have no reason to expect the storms we’ve experience in the last two years will diminish. 
• Domestic water systems.  Currently there is no backflow preventer provided on the domestic water service.  The insulation on the fittings needs to be examined to determine if hazardous materials have been used.
• Plumbing fixtures:  All plumbing fixtures appear to be in “fair” operational condition, but they are original and do not comply with the ADA requirements for the handicapped.
• Fire protection:  Currently the building is not provided with an automatic sprinkler system.
• Elevator:  our elevator has had numerous problems with power breakdowns and the door not opening and closing properly.  Many staff members refuse to ride in it, sending the book trucks up in the elevator and taking the stairs.
• Front doors:  The front doors have had their motor replaced in an attempt to make the mechanism work more smoothly.  It is old, slow and unpredictable and has been known to nip people in the leg when they close unexpectedly on patrons as they exit the building.

Other areas of Concern

• Community Room: Bulging panels speak to the age of the room, along with a Control Room that has an aging sound system, no capability of recording or broadcasting through our local cable station.
• Parts of the exterior stone façade have separated from the building and are being held together by wood supports.  Another section of the façade near levels has begun to separate in a similar fashion.
• Levels is not ADA compliant.
• The mezzanine is also not ADA compliant and built directly onto the book stacks below, leaving no room for adaptability and change.
• Children’s Room.  The collection has outgrown its size, with many stacks too high for young children to reach.
• The reference Area has, in effect, two spots for patrons to seek help, resulting in an inefficient use of staff and confusion for the patrons on where to go for help. There is also a great deal of space being taken up with microfilm cabinets, a near-obsolete technology.
• The History Room has a growing collection and will soon run out of room. 
• As many reference books are replaced on online resources, shelving can be reduced in the reference area, which would then beg for a redesign of the area.
• The A/V department should not be on the ground floor.
• The library needs a Young Adult room or area, with shelving, seating and computers.

An Ad-Hoc Committee is being formed to formulate a workable, acceptable plan for renovating this building.  Recently, the Board voted to stay within the existing footprint, so we will not be expanding our footprint.  But our 40 year old building still needs work!

If I've left anything out, please let me know.