Glen Ridge Free Public Library

1. Glen Ridge Free Public Library Children’s Room, early 1920s Capital Needs for Bonding Consideration January 2007

2. Glen Ridge Free Public Library • Tom Coleman – President • Anne Nielsten – Vice President • Anne Alix – Treasurer • Carol Harpster – Secretary • Mayor Carl Bergmanson • Janice Dyer • Dr. Daniel Fishbein • Andrew Martin • Myles Sachs • Jeff Theodorou • John Sitnik – Director

3. A planned approach . . . • Strategic Plan, completed in 2003, included recommendations for facility upgrades, HVAC improvements and general repairs of long-standing problems. • Changing community demographics indicated a school-age population increase of 30% since 1990 with 25% below Grade 8; therefore, the demand for increased children’s space, collections and program is obvious.

4. Facility Assessment . . . • In order to obtain a cost analysis of the goals identified in the 2003 Strategic Plan, a comprehensive assessment of the library was completed by Arcari & Iovino in 2004. • The facilities assessment yielded a total estimate of $1.4MM. • Potential funding sources were identified including grants and the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Fund.

5. Tragedy strikes!!!! Flood damage • Before any planned improvements could be made, the Children’s Room and first floor staff areas were flooded during summer of 2004 with significant damage to collection, walls, furniture and flooring. • Areas were closed; children’s program and limited collection were relocated to second floor, displacing some adult circulation. • Other facilities, such as Train Station and Ambulance Squad, were used as well. • Emergency repairs and restoration were necessary but all work done was designed to be later incorporated into the architect’s original plan for the Children’s Room expansion.

6. Spring - Summer 2005: Emergency Repairs • Outside drainage and waterproofing were completed, funded by a NJDCA Livable Communities Grant of $50,000. • Repairs to Children’s Room were done, funded by a Special Legislative Grant of $25,000 from Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver and $17,000 in Borough capital appropriations totaling $42,000. • Repaired and renovated Children’s Room opened in September 2005.

7. Summary of Work Completed

8. 2006: 1st Floor Phase Two Repairs and ADA upgrades • Installation of handicap accessible bathrooms and repairs to flood-damaged staff area and gallery began in March 2006 and were completed in December 2006. • Funding was provided by CDBG and a special Borough grant for ADA access at a total anticipated cost of $167,000. • Repairs to main floor ceiling near the periodicals section were also funded and completed by these grants and funding sources.

9. 2005: Air Conditioning System, uh oh! Rusted AC pipes • Library system is a hybrid of window units (older part of building) and central air (new addition). • Central air was non-functional; motors were in poor condition, coils were fouled and chillers/relays needed to be replaced. • In March 2006, the Library Board authorized an expenditure of $11,500 for comprehensive system review and the completion of bid and construction documents for an interim solution. • During May and June, funds were authorized to EVCO for repairs and a temporary fix to get system up and running for the summer of 2006. Please note that this was only a temporary solution!

10. Next up – Children’s Room Windows Windows in the Children’s Room are original to the building and need to be replaced. Sashes are deteriorating and wood is worn. In total, seven windows need to be replaced. Damaged muntin Broken glass panes

11. Children’s Room Windows - New Windows and Well Architect’s plans also call for three new windows and a window well in the Children’s program room. Room is very dark and currently has no windows.

12. 2007 Window Plans (would dovetail with Bond plans to minimize building disruption and maximize use of resources)

13. Future Requirements • Despite all the work done to date, extensive exterior and interior repairs and renovations are still needed. • All of this work is critical as it relates to the health and safety of Library staff and patrons. • It will also position the Library to continue as an updated community resource in its second century.

14. Second floor window replacement(In November, several windows were “sandwiched” in plexiglass to avoid further deterioration and prevent glass from dislodging and falling onto sidewalk) Broken sash Detached sash Arched window with detached sash

15. HVAC System Replacement and Electrical Upgrades Air handler on balcony Warped heating vents on first floor Leaking air conditioner system Air conditioner leaking on second floor Out of date electrical outlets

16. Carpeting, plaster and shelving need to be replaced and repaired. Warn, frayed and stained carpet Splintered and worn shelving Hole in staff room wall Separated shelving

17. More space is needed for overcrowded Children’s Program due to changing demographics. Shelving and heating system need to be replaced Collection is overcrowded in inadequate space Room is overcrowded and cannot house full collection

18. Building exterior, especially roof, needs repairs. Icicles hanging from gutters and roof Roof leaks at connection joint Mold and deterioration due to flooding

19. Future Needs – Interior (as provided by Arcari & Iovino, updated March 2006)

20. Future Needs - Exterior

21. Recommendation: Bond • Library needs are immediate and far exceed the ability to fundraise or source from grants. • Combine needs for municipal complex, library and athletic fields – increases buy-in by community and chance of success. • Bonding allows us to enjoy the benefits sooner and pay over time. It also allows us to complete the project at once rather than inefficiently over time.

22. Bonding continued • Debt service on bond is likely to be less than the amount of capital funds that should be in the budget each year. • Bonding impacts the community over time rather than “all at once” . • Bonding cost could be reduced by other sources of revenue such as grants. Library staff and trustees would continue to vigorously pursue alternative funding sources.

23. Let’s Work Together! • The success of the Glen Ridge Gala 2006, that raised an estimated $30,000 for the library, demonstrates the Library’s commitment to its facility and its ability to raise money. • We can apply this same commitment and energy to a bonding solution.