PITTSFIELD - Pittsfield Public Library is in the home stretch ofits $1.5 million expansion project but for librarian Lyn Smith,there seems to be an impossible amount of things left to do.
Among the more pressing items on the to-do list is to move thelibrary - by Tuesday. And then in a month or so, move it back.
"It just seems overwhelming to me that we have to move all thesebooks," said Smith, covered with dust Tuesday from a day of packingboxes, moving equipment and somehow serving a steady stream ofpatrons. "I just can't wait for it to be over."
The library will close completely at the end of the day Thursday.Between then and Tuesday, volunteers will strip the building of justabout everything to make way for workers to move from theconstruction phase of the project to the renovation phase.
Most of the activity will happen Saturday, when Smith is hopingfor a strong contingent of volunteers to help with the move.
Some of the materials will be moved to the library's temporarynew home, the Ella Powell Room at the Maine Central InstituteLibrary, located just up Main Street from Pittsfield Public Library.That location, beginning Tuesday, will be open from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Tuesdays and from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursdays. The old library locationwill be closed completely, including access to the wireless Internetconnection, which is used often by laptop users inside and outsidethe library.
It's a big job, but progress is being made. Surrounding thecirculation desk are teetering stacks of collapsed cardboard boxes,and most of the shelves look just as full of books as ever. A thinlayer of dust covers everything, and boot-wearing workers shuffle inand out.
To the right of the circulation desk and around a corner, though,is the surprise: A series of brand-new, light and airy - and empty -rooms that are nearing completion. By mid-December, if everythinggoes right, both the addition and the renovated "old part" will bereopened, including the return of all those books.
Speaking of returning books, patrons will have the temporaryoption of bringing books back to the courtesy desk at Bud's Shop 'nSave in Pittsfield.
"That's typical of the kind of support we get from thiscommunity," said Smith.
The need for volunteers will be considerable during the move andalso during the move back, said Smith. Making sure the books arearranged correctly on their new shelves will be a big job.
For more information about what services will and won't beavailable during the transition or to volunteer, call the library at487-5880.
ccousins@bangordailynews.net
207-938-3315
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