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GRAFTON, Mass. —The Grafton Public Library Planning and Building Committee submitted their October status report on Wednesday, saying that mandated handicap accessibility requirements will be completed by next summer.
The work, which is paid for by a combination of existing library funds, community preservation funds, and money approved by vote at the May and October 2012 Town meeting, will be in two phases.
The first phase will provide full accessibility to the Children’s Room and the Main Reading Room as well as a new handicap accessible restroom and lift. This will cost approximately $237,000.
The second phase will address library building maintenance, safety, and accessibility issues like building and fire code, emergency lighting and maintenance. This will cost about $188,000.
This plan of action came as a result of a failed special vote last December to build an $11.7 million expansion of the library.
The work to be done will bring the building up to current code standards and comply with the American Disabilities Act. By completing the improvements to the 84-year-old building by next summer, the town will avoid a $4,000 per day fine.
The work for both phases will be submitted for competitive bid by the Town Administrator’s office following the approved Town of Grafton procurement guidelines
Both phases of construction will begin next spring.
Comments (3)
The lift will provide access to the Children's Room and Main Reading Room. Anyone, including the elderly and moms with strollers, can use the lift to access these floors as well as the the DownUnder section.
I'm disappointed that they're not removing the Bookstore Down Under and spreading the collection out to make it more accessible; not just to the handicapped, but also to the elderly and moms with strollers. It seems like an entire floor of the building is dedicated to reselling, rather than borrowing, books, which isn't part of the library's mission, is it?
I hope the fact that the children's room will be HA means that relocating the children's collection to Nelson is off the table.
Hey good point... there is an awful lot of space dedicated to reselling books. I think there are probably several opportunities to use the library space more efficiently (this is a great opportunity for a little creativity).
-Here's one idea: Replace the internet browsing computers with cozy cafe-style furniture, and tether some laptops or ipads to them (and provide public internet access/wifi in the area). The furniture could easilly be reconfigured for events.
-Make the CD and book stacks in the upstairs easilly movable or low profile to allow for room reconfiguration for events. (CDs could also be moved elsewhere)
-Could low-demand items or off-mission items be moved out?