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Mostly Cloudy F.S. Public Library renovation under way
Local residents will have an easier time entering and exiting the Franklin Square Public Library once its current project is completed. The library is currently working on installing four new, automatic doors at the front of its building — a project that is expected to cost more than $155,000.
Lisa Paulo, the library’s director, said the doors are being installed to make it easier for handicapped patrons, as well as mothers with strollers, to enter and exit the building. The library’s two sets of front doors, which were installed in 2002, do not close properly, she said, so they aren’t energy efficient. “They let out warm air in the winter, and cold air in the summer,” which wastes forces the library to spend unnecessary dollars on heating and cooling costs, Paulo said.
Additionally, the doors do not keep the building completely safe after hours. Since Paulo came to the library in 2006, the library has been using a large chain and padlock to lock the front doors, but the new doors will ensure more security for the building, she said.
SML Contracting, located in Carle Place, is installing the new doors, as well as fixing a portion of the library's ceiling in the building’s front vestibule, between each set of doors. Paulo said that although the bid for the project was $155,000, “when all is said and done,” the renovation could cost the library close to $200,000. The cost is congruent with the library budget’s 2011-12 projections, she added.
Paulo said construction is expected to continue for the next seven to 11 weeks, and be completed before the end of August. During construction, library patrons are asked to use a temporary entrance through the parking area on the north side of the building. The library is not planning to close, but could have to for a day or two, if unpredicted circumstances take place during construction, Paulo added.
Should modification of the library’s operating hours becomes necessary, notice will be posted at the library and on its website: www.nassaulibrary.org/fsquare.
