The Normal Public Library board on Monday approved a $5.1 million asbestos-abatement and renovation plan that will lead to temporary library closures as soon as next month.
The board voted to approve the $5.1 million bid from Champaign-based Broeren Russo Builders. The renovations will include asbestos abatement of the 1973 portion of the facility, as well as updates to wall coverings, lighting, ceilings, floors, ductwork, and the network.
NPL Director John Fischer said the bid was a favorable one and the cost did not change much from earlier estimates. Fischer noted the project includes excavation and work on the foundation on the north side of the building near the parking lot. He said there are minor drainage and cracking problems.
“It’s time to address these issues,” Beth Robb, president of the Normal Public Library Board of Trustees, said in a statement. “We can no longer wait. The library needs crucial updates to its networks, wireless systems and lighting to continue serving the community. These updates cannot be made until asbestos is removed from the facility.”
A final portion of the project is the renovation of a room in the 1992 side of the facility into a maker space. The NPL Foundation has committed $250,000 to that work.
“We don't want to just duplicate and replicate what's happening in the community. Staff are studying what's happening on the university campuses at ISU and Illinois Wesleyan and what Bloomington Public Library will be doing in their maker labs. We'll want to augment for the community services that we offer,” said Fischer.
He said other technology to be considered includes laser engravers and lase cutters and emerging technology for maker spaces.
NPL already offers 3D printing and access to sewing machines. He said that will increase.
“I think we're looking at sublimation printers. That is yet undecided,” said Fischer.
He cautioned the library will preserve traditional maker space activity focused on teens, children, and the community.
Timeline and closures
Work is expected to begin in the spring. The library “will be closed to the public for certain periods during the renovation, potentially starting as early as mid-March. When this occurs, "library services will still be accessible, though likely from alternative locations and in different ways,” the library said Monday.
"Sort of like we did during the pandemic; we were in the public parks. We were in Town of Normal buildings like the Community Activity Center. We continue to partner with many organizations including Illinois State University, the Illinois Art Station, the Bloomington Public Library, and others," said Fischer.
He noted NPL hosted a Spanish language book program for BPL during that library's renovation and expansion project.
“The library will continue providing services throughout the project,” said Fischer. “It is certain the library will close for a period of time. We will communicate alternative locations widely. The public will have notice about how they can continue to enjoy library programming.”
The library will also take temporary space in Uptown to offer Wi-Fi, computer access, fax, printing, scanning, and reading space for people to look at magazines and newspapers. Books and other media will be available for pickup as will inter-library loan materials.
The library collection has about 190,000 items. Fischer said 10-15% of that may be boxed up and stored off site during the reconstruction.
History and financing
Library staff first learned of the asbestos in the 1973 section of the building during bathroom renovations in 2020 when the library was closed during peak COVID. There is no asbestos in the other part of the building constructed in 1992. Air quality tests show no current danger to the public.
The library will pay for the work with potential state grants, reserves and up to $2 million in debt funded by the property tax levy over 10 years. That is already worked into the existing levy.
“It could be that we won't have to borrow quite that much at this point due to the (favorable) bid,” said Fischer. “I think that that is still in play. We're working closely with the town financial department.”
Library staff will have to change the focus of their jobs during the closure. Fischer said staff have been saving up internal projects and will continue the regular weeding and curation of the book collection.
"We don't anticipate any layoffs of part-time staff. We don't anticipate any need to cut staff for any reason. That said, if staff leave the library for their own reasons, it's possible we won't replace them right away," said Fischer.
Fischer said staff will also have extra work to do for off-site programs, supporting the reading room and services there, and providing enhanced book pickup services for patrons.
