Library repair project starts next week

NORWALK — Next week, critical repairs to the exterior of the city's iconic 1905 Carnegie public library will get under way by Quality Masonry of Marion, Ohio. The work, which will replace damaged bricks and stone, tuck-point mortar joints, and clean and seal the exterior, is fully funded by a "use it or lose it" Strategic Community Investments Grant. The library's board of trustees accepted the $331,350 repair bid from Quality two weeks ago, basing its decision on both price and reviews of the contractor's previous projects. Last year, the library received the one-time $400,000 state grant and was among 14 Ohio libraries to chosen for help under a one-time sharing of surplus funds. The comprehensive work on the exterior also includes: • Installing new joint seals and flashing to improve weather resistance; • Cleaning all brick and stone surfaces, and applying a clear sealer; • Repairing and painting window frames, sills and lintels for improved durability and appearance; • Refurbishing the front entrance staircase by resetting stair stones, replacing broken stones, and sealing the structure (slated for next spring due to weather concerns). Quality Masonry expects to complete the work by Nov. 14, according to bid documents. The current project is separate from the library board's decision to seek approval of a 1.7-mill bond levy on the November ballot, trustee Kathy Root said. The board pursued the 2024 grant to pay for much-needed repairs to improve and preserve the building's exterior integrity. The board filed the grant application long before it began discussing the comprehensive plan that the bond levy would fund, she noted. "When scaffolding goes up at the library in the coming days, we don't want people to be confused about the two different projects. Nor do we want voters to think, 'well, they have enough money for that project, so why do they need more?' The distinction between the two is important," Root said. The bond issue on the Nov. 4 ballot would provide $14 million for an addition to the library that would be erected at the site of the former retail space next door, which the board has owned since 2003. According to the Huron County Auditor's Office, the bond levy will cost $5 per month on $100,000 of assessed property value. If approved, levy funding will pay for renovations to bring the original building into compliance with disability access laws and seamlessly join the Carnegie structure with a new two-floor addition. Renovating the now-empty storefront and trying to make it "join" the current library is impractical, with the cost roughly similar to demolition and new construction — due to the need for extensive HVAC and electrical systems upgrades and asbestos abatement, Root said. The front steps, long a source of complaints from library patrons, will be fixed in April when weather is expected to be suitable for the project. That plan includes resetting and leveling the large sandstone pieces and making repairs where needed. "We are very grateful to have been awarded this generous state grant, which helps ensure our library building remains a vibrant and welcoming space for generations to come," she added.