POTSDAM — An opening date for the Potsdam Public Library is still to be determined as the inside renovation project continues, but the library is hoping to be open in June, said a blog post on the library’s website recently.

William Eckert, the library’s adult program coordinator who was hired last summer, writes that the library is into phase two of its $1.2 million interior renovation project.

“While there has been no hard-and-fast reopening date, due to the pandemic altering the availability of materials and workflow, as well as natural work delays, we are hoping for a June reopening date. As we get closer to that date, we will be working together to figure out what kind of programs we can immediately welcome you into and are excited at the prospect of being able to be reopen at a time when we will be able to have our community come inside as opposed to us having to do curbside service,” Eckert writes.
 

While the books are still boxed, the library is offering some online programming in the form of virtual readings, a virtual tour of the Remington Museum and access to the online catalog of ebooks through the Northern New York Library Network. Visit the library’s website for more.

The project was originally slated to begin last April, but the state-mandated shutdown, ordered because of pandemic fears, put a halt to construction projects like the library work. The delay set the renovation back for a time, but project deadlines for the grants paying for the project were extended as well.

Phase 1, of the project, completed by Continental Construction of Gouverneur, included erecting a mezzanine cost $359,351 and garnered a $269,513 grant with a library match of $89,838.

Phase 2, which is still underway and includes work on the floor, ceiling, lobby, circulation desk and HVAC system, will cost $450,020, paid for by a $297,017 grant with a $153,003 library match.

Phase 3, related to staff areas like the office and kitchen and to be completed after the library reopens to the public, will cost $467,305 and to be paid by a $350,479 grant with a library match of $116,826.

“The circulation desk has found its new home in the center of the library, just at the base of the mezzanine staircase.  Formerly located to the left of the doorway when you entered the library, the crew from Northern Tier, out of Gouverneur, took the desk apart in sections and began re-assembling it in its new location this week (April 6). My, what a difference it makes, having it under these marvelous high ceilings, rather than under what was formerly an auditorium balcony,” writes Eckert on the website.

“The former location of the circulation desk, at the library front entrance on Park Street is now vacant and will be the location of the young adults collection,” he said.

“Library staff has been moving shelving into the children’s area to line the now finished walls, getting it ever closer to its final stages of completion,” Eckert writes.

“Work has also begun on the restoration of the ceiling with the filling of holes and sanding and opposite that, the carpets will soon be ready to be yanked up for the maple wood beneath to be restored.”

Read more on the reopening on Eckert's online library blog at https://potsdamlibrary.org/heres-looking-at-june-a-renovation-update/.

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