Date: Fri 06-Sep-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

Booth-Library-delay

Full Text:

with cut: Library Reopening Delayed To The End Of The Month

B Y A NDREA Z IMMERMANN

Renovations to the interior of Cyrenius Booth Library are progressing slower

than expected so the library will not reopen next week as planned, but remain

closed until September 30.

"At this point in time, we decided that it would be better for all the trades

to finish their work completely rather than open on the ninth and close again

for another four weeks," said Library Director Janet Woycik. "As it stands

right now, when we reopen on September 30, everything will be done in the old

building except painting, carpeting and last minute touch up kinds of things."

Construction of the library addition is right on schedule, but interior work

on the existing building is taking longer because the area is so congested,

according to clerk of the works Ed Callo. Although all the books, furniture

and equipment are covered with plastic sheets, the workers often have to move

things around as they work.

"I'm really disappointed that we were unable to move out of library and avoid

this problem," said the director. "However, when we open on the 30th I'm sure

that everything will be in working order and will be ready to go. The

non-fiction books should be available then down in the Meeting Room."

Since the library closed four weeks ago, staff members have been willing but

unable to safely work in the library. Mrs Woycik hopes that next week some

staff will be able to discharge books and work on other planned projects while

the library is closed to the public.

The director is sending a letter to all of the Connecticut libraries

requesting that they honor patrons' cards and allow them to take out materials

and have inter-library loans even if those cards show fines or are expired.

All fines will be forgiven for overdue books and materials checked out of the

Booth Library, said Mrs Woycik. Anyone who wishes to return library material

may still drop books and books on tape secured with a rubber band into the

book drop in front of the building; those with videos are asked to hold on to

them until the library reopens. The library custodian Jim Kearns checks the

book drop daily.

"Jim has been wonderful. He's there all the time the workers are at the

library. He's overseeing things on behalf of the library," said Mrs Woycik.

"If something needs to be moved or taken down out of harm's way, he takes care

of it."