The South Windsor Public Library’s 40-year-old elevator will be replaced this fall and will be out of service until the end of October.
The library hours will be impacted by the work with the $250,000 construction project starting on Tuesday. Library officials said the company that originally installed the elevator is “no longer in business, and as each part breaks, a new one needs to be manufactured.”
“Each breakdown has become very expensive and lasts a little longer than before,” Library Director Mary Etter said.
The project is funded by the state Office of Policy and Management’s Local Capital Improvement Program (LoCIP). The program reimburses municipalities for projects, including road and bridge improvements and public building construction.
The elevator will be rebuilt in place, with new mechanical systems and cab. The elevator is connected to the building’s fire alarm system, which will also be brought up to code. Etter said staff is “determined to continue providing our services as normally as possible.”
The library will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays. The library will be open from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, so work can take place from 5 a.m. to noon. The library will be closed on Sept. 20. The library’s website southwindsorlibrary.org will include frequent updates on the project.
The library is two levels, with stairs and the elevator connecting the two. Those who can’t use the stairs must use the upper parking area to access the second floor and lower parking lot to use the lower floor. There will be three temporary parking spaces in the upper lot for library patrons who have trouble walking or using the stairs.
Staff members will be available to help patrons reach parts of the library, and those needing curbside assistance should call 860-644-1541 for returning books or picking up materials.
Peter Marteka can be reached at pmarteka@courant.com.
