Main Library Construction Projects Summer 2010

Waterproofing Project

The Main Library will undergo a renovation project during July and August 2010 to waterproof the front foundation. Water has occasionally leaked into the Children’s Room, and the goal of this project is to prevent that in the future.

In order to correct the problem, the sidewalk in front of the terrace must be excavated to a depth of 10 feet. The foundation wall will then be waterproofed, and the sidewalk replaced. At the same time, all of the mortar joints on the terrace will be cut out and sealed. The project will begin on July 19 and should take approximately six weeks.

Obviously this will make access to the Main Library more difficult. There will be times when both stairways are closed, and you will have to walk up one of the handicapped ramps to reach the terrace and enter the building. When the actual excavation is taking place (two 2- to 3-day periods), the entire driveway will be closed between 7AM and 4PM, with access only from the sidewalk, even for handicapped people.

    Here are some of the steps we are taking to minimize the impact of the project:
  • HP spaces will be moved to new locations in the driveway for most of the project.
  • HP spaces will be located on Washington Street while excavation is in progress and the driveway is completely inaccessible.
  • The construction fence will be kept as close to the curb as possible to facilitate use of the driveway.
  • A stand alone book drop will be placed under the oak tree to allow you to return library items without getting out of your car.
  • The stand-alone book drop will be moved to the sidewalk on Washington Street at the base of the driveway when the driveway is closed.
  • At least one of the front doors and the adjacent book drop will be accessible via one of the handicapped ramps at all times during the project.
  • Signs will be posted to direct people around the construction fences to whichever entrance is open at a particular time.
  • We will update this web page with the latest information. Driveway closings will be posted here as soon as the contractor informs us about them.
  • You can certainly change your pickup location to another Minuteman Library, including our Coolidge or Putterham branches. You can do this yourself in My Account – Modify Personal Information – Choose your default pickup location. Then also change the Pickup Location for any outstanding holds. Staff at our reference desk (617-730-2369) will be happy to help with this as well.
  • The memorial bricks will be removed carefully and replaced at the end of the project.

Garage Repair Project and Parking

The Main Library garage is OPEN as of Wednesday, September 1.

The Main Library garage has been closed for repairs since the end of June. The only parking available for the duration of this project is metered parking on Washington and Cypress Streets. There is also a small public lot on School Street with metered parking. The few non-handicapped parking spaces in the front driveway will be unavailable starting July 19 when the Waterproofing Project begins.

The Town Librarian and all the staff apologize for the inconvenience. We realize that having both projects proceeding at the same time will make access to the Main Library especially difficult.