Leominster Public Library Expansion and Renovation Project

Interior work continues -- carpet installation begins

2007-02-19T11:10:00.000-05:00

This week the installation of the carpet began--a sure sign that the new library is nearing completion and will be ready for its opening in late spring!

Here the giant rolls of carpeting are lined up in the parking lot.

A crane lifts the rolls of carpet up to the second floor.

The carpet installers bring the rolls of carpet in through the window.

The carpeting going down in the adult reference area on the second floor.

Meanwhile, the restoration work continues in the 1910 Carnegie building.

The central skylight, reopened after almost 50 years, fills this area with natural light.
Renovations in the West Reading Room (formerly the Children's Room), where magazines, newspapers and comfortable seating for adults will be located.

A look at the new Historical Room. These shelving units along the wall were salvaged from elsewhere in the library and installed in this room. For those of you who remember, this used to be the room where the library museum was located!

Interior photos

2007-01-24T11:28:00.000-05:00

The Children's Room Circulation Desk is now in place. Beyond are the Preschool Alcove and the Story Time Room.

A window seat in the Children's Preschool Alcove.

A view of the main stairway in the addition.

The 1910 Carnegie building is currently undergoing renovations. Here we are looking into the East Reading Room, where new adult books will be located when the library reopens.

This view looks across the balcony of the 1910 building into the addition.

What's happening at the Leominster Public Library?

2006-12-26T09:30:00.000-05:00

Now that the exterior work is nearing completion, the question everyone is asking is "when will the new library open?" The following is an excerpt from an article written for the Leominster Champion newspaper by Library Director Susan Shelton, which explains what will be happening in the next few months.

If you haven’t been too caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, you may have had a chance to drive or walk by 30 West Street to see the progress on the newly expanded and renovated Leominster Public Library.

The warmer than usual temperatures have allowed the exterior work to progress nicely. Parking areas have been paved, walkways and handicapped ramps have been poured, exterior lighting has been installed, the flagpole has been erected, and finished landscaping is almost complete.

Although the exterior work will be finished before the snow flies, there is still much to be done on the interior of the building. However, because the building looks almost complete, some people have mistakenly thought it is open and have wandered inside. Unfortunately, this is still very much a construction site, and the building has not yet been turned over to the City by the general contractor. We ask for your patience just a little bit longer, and assure you it will be well-worth the wait.

Work will continue on the interior of the building throughout the winter. Restoration of the 1910 building is currently underway. Also ongoing is the installation of interior lighting fixtures, finished painting, and tile flooring. Carpeting will begin in January, and will be followed by the installation of library shelving. By early spring, the building’s furniture and equipment will be delivered in preparation for a late spring opening.

Closer to the completion of the project, the library will set a date for its public dedication celebration. This event is an opportunity for the entire community to come together to see the new library and celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in the history of library service to our city and its residents. This dedication ceremony will mark the official opening of the library at its 30 West Street location.

In the meantime, the library continues to offer many wonderful programs and services for all ages at its temporary location – Crossroads Office Park, 690 Mechanic Street.

- by Susan Shelton, Library Director

New pictures this week

2006-12-14T18:37:00.000-05:00

This week workmen poured the walkway to the West Street entrance of the 1910 Carnegie Building.

Here is the first look at the Pearl Street entrance doorway.

Another view of the Pearl Street entrance from the parking lot.

The travertine floor is being laid just inside the Pearl Street entrance. The door to the community Meeting Room is to the left, and the entrance to the Children's Room is to the right.

The countertop for the main Circulation Desk is being delivered.

Workmen are installing the countertop on the main Circulation Desk.

Another view of the main Circulation Desk shows the lower surface at one end for our physically challenged patrons.

Exterior photos

2006-12-11T10:51:00.000-05:00

A walkway lined with lampposts runs along the side of the library from the Pearl Street parking lot to West Street.

The landscapers are planting the trees and shrubs around the new library.

A close-up view of the landscaping near the Pearl Street entrance.

Construction 85% complete

2006-11-15T16:36:00.000-05:00

The light fixtures are being hung in the new addition. This is a view of the skylight looking over the balcony area from the third floor to the second floor.

Another view of the third floor. Much of the finish work and painting has been completed in this area.

This doorway leads from the main stairwell to the adult department on the second floor.

Renovations continue in the 1910 Carnegie building. Here, architect Patrick Hayes(center) and Project Manager Mike Mullaney(right) talk with a construction worker.

The handicapped ramp at the West Street entrance takes shape.

New photos this week

2006-11-06T18:44:00.000-05:00

The curbings have been installed in the parking lot and the sidewalks are nearing completion. The expanded parking lot will provide double the number of spaces that were behind the old library.

The bookdrops have been installed just outside the new Pearl Street entrance. Note that there will be a special drop just for AV materials to protect them from the heavier books.

A view looking down from the third floor. The new adult reference desk is in the rear of the second floor in this area.

A view from the second floor looking across West Street to City Hall.

City Council to vote on Library Loan Order on October 10

2006-10-03T11:44:00.000-04:00

On September 28, the City Council gave initial approval to a $1.3 million loan order to cover unexpected costs associated with renovating and expanding the Library. Councilors must take another vote on Oct. 10 on the loan before it receives final approval.

The October 10 meeting will take place in the Council Chambers at City Hall. There will be a public hearing on the matter at 7:00 p.m.; the meeting will follow where the second and final vote on the loan order will take place.

We hope you can attend--your continued support is needed to ensure the library project is a success.

Construction 80% complete

2006-09-29T11:26:00.000-04:00

The library project is now 80% complete. There is a lot happening both inside and outside the building.

A photo of the Pearl Street entrance taken this week .

Work has begun on the new parking lot. This is a view from the Pearl Street entrance looking into the parking lot that will be shared with the Pilgrim Congregationial Church.

A walkway is being installed along the side of the library.

The new transformer is being set into place on the side of the library.

The steps and landing leading into the 1910 building are nearing completion

The center skylight in the 1910 building has been reopened after almost fifty years.

The adult reference desk has been delivered and is being prepared to be set in place. Beyond it, you can see the wooden trim around the windows looking into the Cormier Center for Young Adults.

New photos this week

2006-09-01T11:28:00.000-04:00

Tom "Big T" Kenney and another mason are working on a retaining wall between the Pearl Street entrance and what will be the new parking lot. The area on either side of the entrance will be landscaped. The handicapped ramp will be on the right, and on the left will be a small outdoor programming area.

Looking up from the adult reference area on the second floor to the third floor and the new skylight. Note the painters have started to paint the walls on the third floor.

A view from the third floor looking down into the adult reference area. This part of the third floor will house adult nonfiction stacks and quiet study carrels will be built into four dormers. You can see one dormer at the far right of the photo.

A look at the progress on the steps leading to the West Street entrance of the 1910 Carnegie building. The entire stairway had to be rebuilt to accomodate the handicapped ramp that will come up on the side closest to the Pilgrim Church. The library's original lampposts will be restored and replaced here as well.

Construction nearly three-quarters complete

2006-08-23T14:17:00.000-04:00

The library construction project just reached the 72% completion mark. Passersby can see progress being made daily.

Workers are rebuilding the original steps leading to the West Street entrance of the 1910 building. A ramp for handicapped access will be added.

A masonry worker cleans the brick veneer of the addition. The major part of the exterior masonry work has now been completed.

Some fine masonry work remains to be done. The damaged veneer of the original building will be repaired. This was the area of the main entrance to the 1960s addition and the stairwell that led to the old Children's Room and Meeting Room.

This view is from just inside the West Street entrance of the 1910 building looking down the main corridor through the new addition. The Pearl Street entrance will be at the far end.

New photos of library construction

2006-08-15T16:36:00.000-04:00

The adult reference area on the second floor. The Adult Reference Desk will be located here and it will have a curve to match the curve in the soffit in the ceiling. The Reference Office can be seen beyond.

Another part of the adult reference area looking out to Pearl Street. There will be study tables here, as well as comfortable seating near the window. Note the railing for the third-floor balcony that surrounds this area.

A view of the main entrance from Pearl Street. If you look carefully through the curtain-wall window on the second floor, you will see the third-floor balcony.

Meanwhile, workers are constructing the delivery ramp on the west side of the 1910 building.

Construction over two-thirds complete!

2006-07-26T14:28:00.000-04:00

Our project recently reached another milestone when the construction passed the two-thirds completion mark, and we are looking forward to a spring 2007 opening. Many workers are currently on site, representing a variety of trades: HVAC, plumbing, electrical, masonry, fire supression, and site excavation.

Now that the scaffolding has been removed, you can see the cast stone sign with the library name high above the new Pearl Street entrance. Construction has begun on the handicapped ramp to the right of the entrance .

The glass window on the Pilgrim Congregational Church side of the building shows the new main staircase.

One of the six curtain wall windows in the new building.

A team of masons are finishing the brick veneer for the library's new addition.

A view of the interior wall of the Cormier Center for Young Adults. You can also see straight ahead through the corridor to the second floor of the original library building.

Laborers are installing drywall on columns and soffits on the second floor of the new addition.

The new main corridor on the first floor, looking from the area that used to be the Children's Room in the old library through to the new Pearl Street entrance at the far end.

Construction reaches another milestone!

2006-06-26T16:08:00.000-04:00

Last Friday marked another milestone for the library construction project. A cast stone sign with the library name was placed over the new Pearl Street entrance. In this picture, Tom "Big T" Kenney, the foreman of Stronghold Masonry, secures the sign on the forklift crane.

Library Director Susan Shelton and Big T pause for a photograph before the sign goes up.

The first part of the sign is being hoisted into place. Big T told us each half of the sign weighs about 500 lbs.

Then the second half of the sign goes up.

There are about 20 masons on the job. Big T estimates there are about 100,000 bricks in the facade of the addition.

Here is an interior view from the balcony on the third level overlooking the adult study area.

Interior taking shape

2006-06-08T09:22:00.000-04:00

The library bloggers had the opportunity to tour the interior of the new library last week.

Workers were everywhere in the building constructing the interior walls and installing mechanical systems.

Here is a view of the main staircase that will lead from the Circulation Desk area on the first floor to the Adult Department and the Cormier Center for Young Adults on the second floor.

Fundraising campaign begins

2006-04-14T15:38:00.000-04:00

The library recently launched a $1.2 million fundraising campaign for the building’s furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Help us to meet our goal by making a donation to this worthwhile community project. Visit the library’s website at www.leominsterlibrary.org, call 978-534-7522, or visit the library for information on making a donation or pledge to the Leominster Library Building Fund. Please give generously!

Aerial shot of the new library!

2006-03-30T16:37:00.000-05:00

Here's a view of the new library addition that most of us haven't seen! The library bloggers thank Jack and Martha Klette for this great aerial shot. Be sure to click on the photo to blow up the size so you can see the detail.

Masonry work begins

2006-03-16T16:18:00.000-05:00

Earlier this month, the Library Director reported that the project is 38% complete!

Now the masons are beginning their work.
Here is a view of the first several rows of exterior concrete blocks with rebar.
The interior of the third floor.

First interior shots!

2006-02-23T16:11:00.000-05:00

The workers are making last-minute preparations for the monolithic pour of the first floor slab, scheduled to take place tomorrow.

This is the first time our photographer has been able to enter the new addition.

We're looking at plastic now, but just imagine what it will look like when the walls are in place!

Scaffolding has been erected around the exterior of the building as preparations are made for the arrival of the masons.

Third-floor slab is poured and work progresses on the roof

2006-02-10T16:15:00.000-05:00

The monolithic pour of concrete for the third-floor slab of the new addition is taking place. This is the second of three monolithic pours scheduled for the project.

A closeup of workers on the mansard roof. The decking is in place and later the roof will be clad with coated copper.

The staging area for the heavy construction equipment and materials will be the future parking lot. The new library's shared parking with the Pilgrim Congregational Church will more than double the number of parking spaces that were available at the old library.

Second-floor slab poured today

2006-01-20T11:58:00.000-05:00

Today's mild temperatures provided ideal conditions for the monolithic pour of the 14,000 square foot second-floor slab of the library’s new addition.

With cement trucks arriving approximately every 20 minutes, work began at 6:00 a.m. to ensure the concrete work would be completed by the end of the day.

The first level has been tented to provide the necessary overnight heat required for the curing of the concrete.

Steel erectors completed the 3rd level roof decking, and continue to work on the detailing of the structural steel

Topping-off ceremony at library construction site

2006-01-12T15:57:00.000-05:00

The library's expansion project reached a milestone yesterday with the topping-off ceremony, marking the completion of the steel framework of the new addition.

Here the iron workers make final preparations.

Meanwhile, on the ground, the dignitaries sign the final steel beam.

Library Director Susan Shelton signs the beam.

The beam is hoisted upward. Note it is topped by the American flag and a fresh-cut evergreen tree.

The final beam is lowered into position.

A close-up of the iron workers fastening the beam into place.

A view of the new structure from Pearl Street. Note the flooring in place on the second floor, which will house the Adult Services Department and library administrative offices.

Steel work continues

2005-12-23T15:16:00.000-05:00

These pictures were taken yesterday, the fourth day that the iron workers have been onsite. This is a view from Pearl Street.

The addition's west wall is taking shape. The new Children's Room will occupy this area of the first floor.

Steel begins to go up!

2005-12-20T14:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, the workers began to erect the steel framework of the new addition.
Note the prefabricated steel girders in the foreground like pieces of a giant puzzle awaiting assembly.

It's going up fast! This is a view of the progress on the side of the building closest to the Pilgrim Church. The Robert Cormier Center for Young Adults will occupy this area of the second floor.

Foundation work nears completion

2005-12-15T14:47:00.000-05:00

The foundations are almost completed. You can see the footprint of the addition and get a sense of its size.

Foundation work continues

2005-11-16T16:51:00.000-05:00

Despite this week's rainy weather, work continues on the foundations.

This is a close up of the new foundation on the Pilgrim Church side.

View a 3-D model of steel framing for new library addition

2005-11-07T19:36:00.000-05:00

This is so cool! You can go to the website of Steel Detailers, Inc. and view a 3-D model of the steel framing for the new library addition. Please note that you will need to download a small software program in order to view the 3-D model.

Foundations taking shape

2005-11-07T15:43:00.000-05:00

The contractors have taken advantage of the nice November weather to make progress on the foundations. Here you can see the east foundation wall of the new addition taking shape.

This is a foundation wall in the basement area of the new addition.

Meanwhile, a machine is crushing the large stones that were excavated at the site.

The crushed stone and dirt is piled for later use as fill.

Exterior and interior work

2005-10-31T19:52:00.000-05:00

Work continues on the foundation for the new addition.

At the same time, the east side of the 1910 building is being excavated to improve drainage.

Restoration of the interior of the 1910 building has begun. This is a view of the area near the double doors that led from the Children's Room to the glass floor mezzanine.

All of the fluorescent lights will be removed and replaced with historically appropriate fixtures.

Construction begins!

2005-10-28T11:31:00.000-04:00

Construction finally begins with the pouring of the footings for the new addition.

A close-up of the footings being poured.

Another view showing the progress of the work on the footings.

Day 3 of Demolition - almost done

2005-09-29T19:30:00.000-04:00

The fixed stack area, which was part of the original 1910 building but surrounded by the 1966 addition, is removed.
Only some "fine" work remains to be done along the edges of the fixed stack area. The 1910 building will then be secured and the rubble removed so the site can be prepared for construction.

Day 2 of Demolition

2005-09-28T12:11:00.000-04:00

The rubbish from the first day of demolition has been moved aside and the "Big Claw" begins demolition of the ceiling of the first floor.
The claw pounds on the surface of the second floor to loosen it before removal.
The 1966 addition is gone! Note at right you can see the yellow elevator door and the blue door to the meeting room in the 1910 building.

Demolition Begins!

2005-09-27T16:34:00.000-04:00

The morning was spent mobilizing the site to prepare for demolition. The demolition company brought in its heavy equipment and set up fire hoses to spray the rubble in order to keep the dust down.

Just after 1:00 pm the “Big Claw” took the first bite!

Metal roof rafters are removed and will be stacked for later removal.

The rear center wall comes down!

The “Big Claw” carefully collapses the wall by the side of Pilgrim Congregational Church.

The end of the first day of demolition.

Preparation for demolition continues

2005-09-01T10:28:00.000-04:00

Carpeting, lighting fixtures and ceiling tiles are being taken out of the '66 addition so the structure becomes a shell ready for demolition.

This is a view from the foyer looking into the Adult Department. You can see the stairs leading up to the Children's Room. The glass walls looking into the Adult Department have been removed.

Here is a view from the area of the Adult Circulation Desk. You can see the framing of the stairway leading up to the glass floor area of the mezzanine.

In the middle of the first floor, you can see the power poles where the public Internet access computers were located.

Addition is prepared for demolition

2005-08-17T10:37:00.000-04:00

The library addition is being prepared for demolition.

Note the Leominster granite that has been salvaged from the worksite and will be incorporated into the new building.

Work begins at 30 West Street

2005-08-10T16:19:00.000-04:00

Work has begun at 30 West Street. The contractor has erected a fence around the property and visible construction activity is evident.

Library groundbreaking marks the official start of project

2005-07-01T07:15:00.000-04:00

Some of our youngest patrons help make library history at the Kids Dig during the library groundbreaking ceremony.

Read more about the groundbreaking and view additional photos on the library's website.

Library moves to Crossroads

2005-05-16T11:20:00.000-04:00

The library was closed the first two weeks in May in order to move to its temporary location at Crossroads Office Park, 690 Mechanic Street, Leominster.

Enthusiastic and energetic staff and volunteers assembled, packed and moved almost 1,500 boxes, washed bookends and cleaned shelves at both 30 West Street and Crossroads.

Boxes in the Children's Room ready to be moved to storage.

The normally busy Circulation Desk is empty and awaits disassembly for move to Crossroads.