Revovation Schedule Summary April 15, 2008
Posted by cplwcho in Uncategorized.add a comment
The Carnegie Public Library is undergoing a major renovation. The work will be done in three phases. Phase I includes the second floor and will last from April 1 – June 1. During this time the second floor is closed to the public and books, magazines, movies, and computers have been moved to the first floor. The Genealogy Department will be closed during Phase I for two months.
The second floor is scheduled to re-open June 2 and work will begin on the south parking lot lobby and children’s area. Phase II will last from June 2 – July 31. During this time the parking lot entrance will be closed and elevator access restricted. The children’s department can be accessed through the East Street doors; the second floor can be accessed only by the North Street entrance. Access to public restrooms may be limited during this time.
All library services and collections will be available to the public during Phase II (June 2-July 31).
The final phase will begin August 1 and includes renovation of the meeting room. This phase will only take four weeks.
The Library may be closed one or two days this summer while the book collections are moved around. Please check the website at cplwcho.org for updates or call before you come.
The Library Board would like to thank our community for their patience and understanding during this time. The results will be well worth the wait.
Highlights of the renovation include:
* Repairing and painting the plaster walls
* Adding more public computers for adults and children
* Remodeling the children’s activity and story hour room
* Upgrading the lighting and computer wiring
* Creating inviting reading and display areas
* Installing a working fireplace
* Refurbishing the mosaic tile and leaded art glass dome
* Providing more space to process library materials requested by the public
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Uncovering the Past at Carnegie Public Library April 9, 2008
Posted by cplwcho in Construction.add a comment
A treasure that has been hidden for more than seventy years will soon be revealed at the Carnegie Public Library.
The domed ceiling on the second floor contains twelve leaded art glass panels, originally crafted and installed in 1903. The jewel-colored glass has been covered by layers of paint on one side and grime and dust on the other but will be restored to its full beauty by Whitney Stained Glass Studio of Cleveland, Ohio.
The panels are composed of repeating geometric patterns in a scalloped design. The restoration will consist of a special soaking bath to loosen the paint and remove the dirt. The panels will then be carefully disassembled, thoroughly cleaned and reassembled with new lead and replaced in the domed ceiling.
The process is expected to take four weeks. Hints of the colors in the panels can be seen through the dirt. Royal blue, emerald green and hues of rich amber will emerge as the cleaning takes place..
According to Library Director Susan McDaniel, library records indicate that the art glass may have first been painted over in the 1930s when the Civilian Conservation Corp repainted the library due to the collection of dirt and dust that blocked the light and rendered the once lovely glass, an unattractive eyesore.
For the first time in many years the public will be able to view the intricate craftsmanship of the art glass panels which are illuminated by a skylight in the roof. The second floor is scheduled to reopen the first week of June 2008.
