If you’ve been in the library anytime during the last few years, you are no doubt aware that we are experiencing a space crunch on many levels: our shelves are full, our staff is in need of workspace, and, most pressing of all, we have no place to store things. When originally built, the library’s basement was used for storage. Now, however, the basement has been repurposed as the library’s main floor, and houses the adult fiction collection, new books, DVDs, CDs, books on tape, the copy machine, employee workspaces and more. Storage? Well, something had to give…

And so, for years, we’ve been storing things under desks, in the stariwell, on top of the book shelves — in short, anywhere the stuff would fit. Unfortunately, we’ve now run out of those types of storage spots too. And, having stored items crammed into every available space is just plain ugly taking away from the charm of the building. If you have any doubts about this, take a look at the “nook” in front of the fireplace on the third floor. One of JJML’s most appealing features, the fireplace, is completely obscured by items that have no other home.

Some day soon this problem may be solved by a new or renovated library building. But “soon” is a relative term…in this case it means at least a couple of years. Unfortunately, the storage problem is pressing and gets worse every day. As a possible solution we came up with the idea of temporarily placing a wooden storage shed — just like those that are seen in many residential backyards — against the brick wall at the back of our property. It would be an ideal solution, as items stored there would be easy to get at when needed, and the shed itself would be mostly hidden by the bushes surrounding it. There is one problem, however, and that is the cost. Pre-built sheds sell for upwards of three thousand dollars, an amount that cannot be squeezed from the library’s budget.

We mention it here in the hope that someone in the community may own a shed that they no longer need, and would consider donating it to the library, or that a local builder might be moved to build one for us using whatever materials he or she may have at hand.

Just thought we’d ask…

BTW, If you have any other ideas as to how we can deal with our storage problems, please leave a comment on the blog, or call us at 725-0049. We’ll be more than happy to listen to any ideas as to how to deal with this growing problem.

Please take note that the areas immediately surrounding the library building are off-limits to everyone, due to safety precautions.  As we learned from the engineer and our wonderful own Fred Stelle, it will not be a surprise if a harsh winter causes more damage.  Please respect our efforts to keep all of us safe by staying away from the building where you see orange fencing.  Lights are to be installed inside the scaffolding protecting the Handicapped Access side door this coming Monday.

As you will see, the scaffolding company erected the scaffolding today in a matter of hours.  We are in the process of getting lights installed under the roofs of the walkways but this may take a day or so,   please be careful. 

The Library Board of Trustees is awaiting the full report of the engineer who inspected the roof last week.  Last night we saw some photographs of the roof (from the roof) taken by our contractor, Doug Renna.  The pictures show the source not only of the library leaks but the reason why bits of the building have fallen off.  We can expect more this winter as water gets in the cracks and freezes, causing the stone to separate.  This is why you will soon see a safety fence erected around the building so no one can be near the areas where there may be falling masonry.

    The Board is assessing its options in terms of the repair of the roof with the help of the engineer, Doug Renna, and Fred Stelle.

Due to the condition of the masonry just under the roof eaves and the frighteningly large piece of masonry that fell several weeks ago, scaffolding will be put up at the Library. On Monday, Nov. 27, they will put a protective walkway at the side, handicapped accessible entrance. When they have completed that, they will put protective scaffolding leading up to the front door of the building.

Engineers checked the building thoroughly on Friday November 17th. They found that there are areas of the roof where water is leaking between the exterior wall and the eaves. When this water freezes, it can cause the stone to split and separate. The engineering firm estimates we can get through one more winter before the problem becomes acute.

Please use caution when entering the building. When the scaffolding is up, please walk underneath it so we can be assured of your safety. We have professionals checking the roof for the leaks. They will produce a report delineating the items that must be fixed next year.

If you have any questions or concerns, please phone me at 725-0049 x23.

As always, on the day after a holiday and a rainy one at that, we are experiencing several technical difficulties.  If you plan on using our Internet computers, please phone first - right now, the Internet is down.  Also, the photocopy machine is broken and the repair person likely won’t get here to fix it until Thursday.  You can get copies made at the Variety Store, Chelsea Crossing, and, I believe, the laundromat.  Sorry for all of the inconveniences, now we are just waiting for the interior rain to start….