Construction at the Swampscott Public Library reached a new milestone with the pouring of concrete.
“It’s happened,” Director Jonathan Nichols said during a Library Board of Trustees meting on Monday. “We’re out of the ground. Thank goodness.”
MJS Construction broke ground on the project in November. TPlanning for the project began in 2021, when LaVallee presented findings and recommendations based on feedback from library officials and the community. After Nichols was hired at the end of 2022, the Library Trustees revisited those ideas and, in 2023, engaged architectural firm Raymond T. Guertin to explore new options for the library’s entrances.
At the 2023 annual Town Meeting, the group voted to approve funding for the project. The town allocated $800,000 in capital funding to move the project forward.
The project includes demolition of the previously existing 6-by-7-foot vestibule and surrounding concrete and brick patio, including retaining walls, planters, ramps, and railings. Plans call for a new 7-by-15-foot vestibule and redesigned outdoor patio.
Nichols said the new concrete will “match the vibe of the existing concrete.”
The existing aluminum windows will be replaced with metal-clad wood models.
The library’s rehabilitation project also focuses on improvements to the children’s room, located in the basement. Renderings on the library’s website show a potential new side entrance to that space.
Nichols said open areas at the front of the building have allowed water into the basement. He added that it has “nothing to do with the repair work.”
“If you open the little white door, you’ll see the problem because there’s nothing there (bolstering it),” Nichols said. “The mural downstairs is going to have to be touched up. We’ve already reached out to Sheila. She’s already done it once before they started the work. It’s not a big deal.”
The library is also considering cosmetic improvements, including new tile in the vestibule. Nichols noted that he’s nervous about what’s under the current tiles “because that’s like 1950 and it could be asbestos.” nstead, Nichols said installing new flooring over the existing tile could avoid disturbing any hazardous materials.
The flooring in the vestibule, Raymond Room and around the circulation would cost around $40,000 to $45,000, according to Nichols. The project budget includes $70,000 for the work.
“We want to go for a true hardwood look to kind of warm up the space a little bit,” Nichols said. “It’s easier to take care of.”
Nichols also said during Monday’s meeting the state may provide additional funding for future renovations.TThe funding package has cleared committee and awaits final approval. Nichols did not know the timeline.
“That will allow us to do some internal things and not just the entrance,” Nichols said, noting ideas like opening space for night hours. “There’s a lot of different project possibilities…There’s all these moving pieces but the entrance is the focus now.”
