04 Nov Library Construction and Repairs
The Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library will begin construction in November to repair and replace failed ceiling joists. Structural supports have been in place since March.
November construction closure
Library Director Montie Manning said construction is expected to begin November 2nd with an anticipated project completion before the holidays in December. “I’m just looking forward to having the library back to normal and am excited to once again work with our partners at krM Architects and S&B Construction to make that happen.”
Structural engineers determined that two ceiling joists near the main Information Desk failed and partially collapsed due to heavy snow loads at the end of February. “The collapse occurred overnight and was only partial,” said Manning, “it could have been much worse and most importantly no one was hurt.”
The insurance claims process was completed in early summer with the construction bid being awarded in July to S&B Construction. Manufacturing lead times and construction materials procurement have been an issue during the pandemic resulting in minor delays.
The building is expected to be closed to the public for safety reasons from Monday, November 22nd through Tuesday, December 7th during the more substantial phases of the construction when heavy steel trusses will be lifted overhead by crane and installed. We plan on reopening Wednesday, December 8th, though this date is subject to change.
Taking advantage of the closure, the library will also upgrade servers, data lines, and network switches, which may affect wi-fi and phone service. Moreover, Evergreen Indiana will undergo a major upgrade over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This may affect digital services such as hoopla, Kanopy, and Overdrive. Library staff will focus on training opportunities and special projects while the building is closed to the public.
Despite the closure, the Library plans to continue offering some services such as PGTPL-To-Go for curbside delivery of items. Other services such as reference, reader’s advisory, printing, and faxing can be done through email at AskUs@plainfieldlibrary.net, chat service, and phone. Virtual programs will be offered through Facebook. Library materials will not be due during the closure.
Unfortunately, the Library will not have public access to computers during the closure. However, our public wi-fi can be accessed from the parking lot twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Due to construction, the Friends of the Library December book sale has been rescheduled to Wednesday, December 8th through Sunday, December 12th.
For construction updates and to keep track of progress throughout the project, check the library website (www.plainfieldlibrary.net) and follow the library on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
