Mount Pleasant Public Library: Roof Update July 13, 2012

We have a schedule for the first phase of the . This phase is the removal of the existing roof and the installation of a vapor barrier and roof boards. As the existing roofing material has ACM (asbestos containing materials) the will be closed during this phase of the project, starting Monday, July 23.

The exact dates of the Library’s closing is dependent upon the weather. If the weather is dry we will be able to re-open the Library during the week of July 30. However, if we have poor weather we might not be in a position to re-open until the week of August 6.

To help keep you informed of developments please check back with this blog or call the Main Library at (914) 769-0548—both the blog and the voicemail will be updated regularly.

During the closing of the Main Library we will be extending hours of service at the Branch Library (125 Lozza Drive, Valhalla). These temporary hours will be:

• Mon 10-8
• Tues 10-8
• Wed 10-8
• Thurs 10-8
• Fri 10-5
• Sat 10-2

FAQ

Q. How long will the Main Library be closed?

A. We do not know. It will close on Monday, July 23 and it will not re-open until the roof removal is complete, and that is dependent upon the weather. It is possible that the Main Library will be re-opened the week of July 30. However it is also possible that it will not be re-opened until the week of August 6. As we move through the first week we expect to get a better sense of the exact timeline.

Q. Will I be able to return materials to the Library when it is closed?

Yes. When the main book-drop is not available, we will have make available a temporary book-drop at the entrance to the Romer Avenue parking lot.

Q. Will I be able to pick-up holds at the Main Library?

A. No. For safety reasons the Library will not be open.

Q. I have holds placed. What will happen to them?

A. All holds due to be picked up at the Main Library will be temporarily suspended. When the Library re-opens those holds will be automatically re-activated.

If you like, you can reactivate the hold yourself by accessing your library account and changing the pick-up location (to another library)

Q. Can I place holds during the closing of the Library?

A. The Library’s catalog will be fully accessible during the closing. However the Main Library will not be available as a pick-up location.

 Q. Will it be safe to visit the Library after the removal of the roof is complete?

A. Yes. We are hiring QuES&T (Quality Environmental Solutions & Technologies, Inc.) to supervise the asbestos removal and to perform continuous air monitoring (both inside the Library and outside). If there are any safety concerns they will be addressed before the Main Library is re-opened.

Q. I have materials due during the closing. Will I be fined if I do not return them until the Library re-opens?
A. No. All fines on materials due (during the closing) will be waived. In addition there will be a grace period of seven days after the Library re-opens to allow you to return those materials e.g. if  a book is due July 26, and the Library re-opens on August 2, that book may be returned fine free through August 9.

Q. Will programs be run at the Main Library during the closing?

A. No. Children’s story-times (from 10am to 11.30am) will be relocated to the Branch Library, as will the Wonderful World of Bats program. All other programs are canceled.

Q. If I have questions about the nature of the project, who should I contact?

A. Owner's Representative is the architect, Ron Cosentino - (845) 562-2320. Asbestos contractor is Milcon Construction - (631) 756-9530. Third party air monitoring company is QUEST - (845) 298-6031.

Q. Where do I go for information during this phase of the project?

• The Library’s main voicemail will be updated on a regular basis. Simply call the Main Library at (914) 769-0548 and listen to the message
• The roof blog (on the homepage) will be updated regularly
• We will send out an e-newsletter when the Main Library is re-opening

You may also call the Branch Library at (914) 741-0276 for up-to-date information.