Warsaw Library Front Entrance Renovations Begin

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By Jennifer [email protected]

Front entrance renovations to the Warsaw Community Public Library began Monday morning after being postponed a week.

Library Director Ann Zydek informed the WCPL Board of Trustees members of the change during its meeting Monday.

Renovations originally were planned to begin April 2, but contractor D & C Construction Inc., South Whitley, and library staff agreed to postpone the renovations to April 9.[[In-content Ad]]The start date was extended to accommodate patrons who were on spring break to use the patron book drop over the weekend, and allow temporary fencing and signs to be placed to make patrons aware of the renovations, Zydek said.

"We wanted to make sure patrons were made aware of the renovations before we closed the front entrance and book drop," Zydek said.

The board approved at its March 13 meeting D & C Construction to complete the renovations.

D & C Construction began removing bricks Monday from the library's front entrance. Zydek said the bricks have names of patrons who have donated to the library and will be saved and placed at another location of the library to be decided at a later date.

Zydek said library staff will meet with representatives who laid the library's original interior tile to decide final materials for redoing the front entrance stairs and landing.

The board approved at its Feb. 12 meeting plans to move forward with the renovations to increase safety and service for library patrons. Renovation plans include extending the length of the building entrance and providing two double-door side entrances with an overhang, which will replace the current single double door.

The library entrance currently faces north and will be moved to the east and west sides of the building. Adding another set of doors will decrease wear from poor weather and overuse, Zydek said.

The approximate cost of the project is $150,000 and the project is expected to be completed in July.

The front entrance and the drive-through area near the entrance will be closed until completion of the entire renovation. All patrons will enter and exit the building at the east entrance along Detroit Street, where there also is a ramp.

During construction, there will be no use of the book drop or accessibility elevator, however, the main elevator near circulation will remain open.

Materials may be returned only in person during regular library service hours, Zydek said.

The majority of the parking lot will remain open during the entire renovation.

During the meeting the board also approved a policy change for fines and fees at the library.

The board approved at its March 13 meeting new fine rates for overdue items at 25 cents per day for videos, DVDs, video games and interlibrary loan materials, an increase from 10 cents per day.

The policy allows the library to mail notices to patrons three days after books are due instead of seven days. An e-mail notice to patrons also will be sent to patrons three days before an item is due for those who have an e-mail account with the library.

"We wanted to change how fast we sent out overdue notices with the increased late fee fines and are encouraging patrons to supply us with their e-mail addresses," said assistant library director Joni Brookins.

The board also approved a Library Capital Projects fund plan for 2008 to complete planned construction, repair, replacement and remodeling at the library and to purchase, lease and provide maintenance and repairs of computer hardware and software.

Total funds available for the plan are $458.060 for 2008; $226,313 for 2009; and $234,108 for 2010.

Front entrance renovations to the Warsaw Community Public Library began Monday morning after being postponed a week.

Library Director Ann Zydek informed the WCPL Board of Trustees members of the change during its meeting Monday.

Renovations originally were planned to begin April 2, but contractor D & C Construction Inc., South Whitley, and library staff agreed to postpone the renovations to April 9.[[In-content Ad]]The start date was extended to accommodate patrons who were on spring break to use the patron book drop over the weekend, and allow temporary fencing and signs to be placed to make patrons aware of the renovations, Zydek said.

"We wanted to make sure patrons were made aware of the renovations before we closed the front entrance and book drop," Zydek said.

The board approved at its March 13 meeting D & C Construction to complete the renovations.

D & C Construction began removing bricks Monday from the library's front entrance. Zydek said the bricks have names of patrons who have donated to the library and will be saved and placed at another location of the library to be decided at a later date.

Zydek said library staff will meet with representatives who laid the library's original interior tile to decide final materials for redoing the front entrance stairs and landing.

The board approved at its Feb. 12 meeting plans to move forward with the renovations to increase safety and service for library patrons. Renovation plans include extending the length of the building entrance and providing two double-door side entrances with an overhang, which will replace the current single double door.

The library entrance currently faces north and will be moved to the east and west sides of the building. Adding another set of doors will decrease wear from poor weather and overuse, Zydek said.

The approximate cost of the project is $150,000 and the project is expected to be completed in July.

The front entrance and the drive-through area near the entrance will be closed until completion of the entire renovation. All patrons will enter and exit the building at the east entrance along Detroit Street, where there also is a ramp.

During construction, there will be no use of the book drop or accessibility elevator, however, the main elevator near circulation will remain open.

Materials may be returned only in person during regular library service hours, Zydek said.

The majority of the parking lot will remain open during the entire renovation.

During the meeting the board also approved a policy change for fines and fees at the library.

The board approved at its March 13 meeting new fine rates for overdue items at 25 cents per day for videos, DVDs, video games and interlibrary loan materials, an increase from 10 cents per day.

The policy allows the library to mail notices to patrons three days after books are due instead of seven days. An e-mail notice to patrons also will be sent to patrons three days before an item is due for those who have an e-mail account with the library.

"We wanted to change how fast we sent out overdue notices with the increased late fee fines and are encouraging patrons to supply us with their e-mail addresses," said assistant library director Joni Brookins.

The board also approved a Library Capital Projects fund plan for 2008 to complete planned construction, repair, replacement and remodeling at the library and to purchase, lease and provide maintenance and repairs of computer hardware and software.

Total funds available for the plan are $458.060 for 2008; $226,313 for 2009; and $234,108 for 2010.

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