Library leaks get cash fix
Earlier this month, Council increased the Clearview Public Library’s 2014 Capital Budget to cover the cost of a new roof for the Stayner branch – and not a minute too soon.
The roof will help eliminate the growth of mould, which has been found in the building, resulting from continued leakage from the facility’s flat roof during rain storms.
“The Board is coming to Council in a hurry,” said Jennifer La Chapelle, Chief Executive Officer of the Clearview Public Library, at the June 2 Council meeting. “We would like to get the mould out of the building.”
The new roof will be installed in July by Midhurst Roofing using an extra $11,640.40 from the Board’s Reserve Fund.
“We had budgeted $30,000, but [the bidders] came in higher, so we’re coming to Council for the rest of the money,” said La Chapelle.
After a month-long reconstruction of the floor by Rainbow International earlier this spring, higher-than-normal levels of mould were detected in the main library and staff work area.
Tests confirmed mould growth on the new wooden crib Rainbow had placed under the floor as a structural support.
“Whenever there were major leaks at the Circulation Desk, we disconnected the electrical and computer appliances,” said La Chapelle. “We used umbrellas to keep water off the equipment. Our roof has some moss growing on it in places; it is 26 years old and at the end of its life cycle.”
Michele McKenzie, Deputy CEO of the Clearview Public Library, says she will be happy when the leaks are fixed.
“We have sat at the Circulation Desk with umbrellas when it has rained. We have a green roof, but it’s not the good kind!” she said.
In spite of the repairs, library programs are still running in Stayner. According to the Environmental Consultant, the Library does not need to close while the mould is being remediated.
Aside from roof repairs and re-shingling, McKenzie says the 117-year-old building on Huron Street in Stayner hasn’t had any structural improvements since the addition in 1988.
She added that a 2012 earthquake shifted the floor levels, leaving the librarians to slide down the sloping floor on their rolling chairs.
“We would roll into each other like bumper cars,” said McKenzie. “It’s lucky we like each other.”
The reconstruction also includes a redesign of the interior. Rooms are being rearranged to change the flow of the building, the Teen Area and Job Bank have been relocated and a staff room has been added. An “Art Walk” at the entrance will feature work by local artists.
“We have been salvaging, upcycling and recycling all sorts of things,” said McKenzie. This included making a new computer bar out of a door.
Library patrons have been volunteering to help, McKenzie said. darci-que donated the lilac-coloured paint that Bob Charlton used to cover the walls. Albert Yule helped paint and freshen up the children’s area.
Local citizens have helped the library come up with creative solutions for the redesign, too. Glenda Newbatt created a “Fairy Walk” mosaic where he tile was ripped up for repairs. Stayner Collegiate Institute woodworking teacher, Mike Wheatcroft, made the shelves. Bob Charlton also refinished the antique table.
If you would like to help out the library, call 705-428-3595. The Library is a registered charity that accepts financial donations and Canadian Tire money.
Once the repairs are complete, the library will host an Open House to show off the changes.
