Chain Link Fence to be Installed!

The next sign that construction is imminent at the Library will be the installation of a chain link fence across the parking lot. The fence will separate the Library and its activities from the construction site excavation that will soon be underway. Parking will be severely cut and the stair way to the park, proper will be fenced off. Parking in the Library lot will be strictly limited to those using the Library; one hour parking will be enforced.

Library to Close for one Day- Monday, July 30th

Just for one day - the Library, the entrance, the parking lot- all will be closed for the day so that contractors can begin site work. All of the trees that need to be cut down for both the building expansion and the parking space increases will be taken down on that one day. We apologize for the inconvenience, and of course, no fines will be charged for materials due that day that are returned a day late. Our intent is to close ONLY when the contractors determine that conditions are unsafe for the public - we hope that there are very few days in the next 18 months for which this is the case!

Construction Progress Report

The modular is gone, the construction trailer is here, and the week of July 30th will see trees removed so that construction can begin. Be prepared to see a few large trees taken down so that the Library can expand. We will all greet this event with mixed feelings. As soon as we know which day the tree removal will take place, we will post it here and on our home page. The Library parking lot will be closed that day.

Construction Trailer Arriving at Library

On Tuesday, July 24th, the Contractor’s Construction Trailer will be delivered and situated on the South side of the Library property along Pleasantville Road. This will necessitate some closing of the Library entry and parking lot. If you visit, you may want to park at Atria and walk through Law Park in order to avoid delays. Unfortunately, we do not know what time the 40’ trailer will be delivered.

Ground Breaking July 27-10:00 am

A ceremonial ground breaking will be hosted by the Village and Library Boards at the site of the new construction on Friday, July 27th at 10:00 am. Join us for a few words of inspiration and some lemonade and cookies!

Modular to be Removed, Wednesday, July 18th

The Library Modular, which has served as the Children’s room for the past three years, will be removed from the Library this Wednesday, July 18th. While the Library will be open for business, parking will be limited and the parking lot may be closed when the modular is ready to roll out onto Pleasantville Road. In consideration of safety and noise, we have cancelled all Library programs previously scheduled for that day. The Modular will be moved to the DPW site and become office space for the Department of Public Works.
The following week (day to-be-announced) site work will begin with the removal of some trees and the placement of the Construction trailer. Although none of us like to see trees taken down, it is a necessary step toward expanding the Library. The site plan was carefully reviewed by the Village Planning Board and adopted by the Village Board.

Library Building Expansion Imminent

I thought I'd begin a blog to keep you up-to-date on what is happening with Library expansion. I'll do my best to keep it brief and just hit the high points.

For background information - to see the rendering, floor plans, and read about the vision for the new Library - go to http://www.briarcliffmanorlibrary.org/libraryexpansion.html

On Thursday, June 28, 2007 the pre-construction meeting for the Library expansion was held. The Architect sponsored the meeting and contractors, subcontractors, Village, and Library personnel met for an overview of what will be happening soon. Here are the highlights:

1. Expect the Library modular to be off-site by early July. The DPW will build the wall to enclose the Library. DPW is inheriting the modular for office space.
2. By the stone wall on Pleasantville Road, the General Contractor will be setting up his construction trailer.
3. Construction is due to begin on or around July 16th - with contractors and subs moving in their storage bins and equipment.
4. The north end of the Library parking lot will be fenced off since it will become the construction zone.
5. Parking will be limited - encourage your friends who use the pool to park behind Atria, as per Village guidelines.

Just a few words about library service during the project. We expect to be under construction for 18 months... so our scaled down collection will be the rule. We continue to have the best of our materials on the shelves, so you may very well find what you need. But...

1. Please ask us to order materials that you need- we are always happy to borrow form our neighboring libraries.
2. Understand that we may have to move programs off-site during construction - we're taking this as it develops...
3. Unfortunately, there may be some service interruptions, but the Contractors have promised to do their best to give us notice so that we can let you know when we might close for a day or two. We will post any such closings on our home page.

Have a good weekend and a good fourth of July!