With the concrete foundation for the addition now completed, passers-by may see steel framing work – reminiscent of vintage A.C. Gilbert Erector Sets – underway at the Sherborn Library construction site.
Up on the roof of the original building, workers are carefully investigating the clay roof tiles to determine how many can be reused versus replaced. “Early reports suggest that the majority of these beautiful and long-lasting tiles will be reusable, which is good news,” said Mary Moore, Chair of the Library Trustees. Less obvious but equally important, the project’s general contractor, Five Star Building Corp., is working to waterproof the structure and backfill around the foundation. Inside the existing portion of the building, work on the HVAC, electrical, information technology and fire suppression systems continues. Over the next few weeks, the contractor will coordinate with the town’s CMD/Facilities Manager to complete work in the parking loop between the Library and Town Hall, necessary to ensure plowing can be done during the winter months. The latest project schedule provided to the Library Building Committee estimates a June completion date.
Once completed, the Library addition’s lower level will house a community hall and gallery, as well as adjacent conference rooms. Upstairs, this new space will include a dedicated children’s room and a new “tree house” program room designed to draw in natural light and create a sense of open environment. The talented interiors committee of the Library Building Committee has collaborated to ensure a great selection of color, furniture and flooring for the renovated space.
During construction, the Sherborn Library remains in its temporary home across Sanger Street at the Sherborn Community Center. There, the library staff continues to work hard, keeping the library running without interruption and offering a wide range of programming for patrons.
For more information about the renovation project, to view renderings and project FAQs, and to review minutes from the Library Building Committee and Trustee meetings, visit the library website at library.sherbornma.org. Project updates can also be found at www.sherbornma.org.
