Thorp Public Library to be Remodeled

The Thorp Courier (Thorp, WI)
January 18, 2010
Transcribed by Dolores Mohr Kenyon

It was recently announced by Governor Jim Doyle that the Thorp Public Library would be awarded $130,000 from the Community Development Block Grant Public Facilities for the renovation of the building, bringing it up to meet the handicap accessibility codes.
 
At a total estimated cost of $425,000, the completion of the project will contribute significantly to enhance the public service landmark.  Covering the remaining $295,000 of the project budget is $145,000 from the reserve fund and up to $150,000 from the city of Thorp Debt Service, depending on the bid amount that comes through later this spring and any donations that are received. 
 
The structure as it stands now is approximately 3,500 square feet of finished basement, providing the citizens of Thorp with a community meeting room, a small kitchen and miscellaneous storage areas.  However, the existing first floor area does not meet current population needs and also does not address any growth expectations.  Short Elliot Hendrickson Inc. (SEH) has identified an approximate 1,390 square foot deficiency based on the number of patrons the library serves.
 
With a growing need for additional space within the library as programs become more popular along with a booming demand for computer and Internet access the library contracted SEH to review the possibility of expanding, bringing the library to ADA standards, and also alleviate water drainage issues on the site.
 
SEH’s plan for the remodel includes a 735 square foot addition, a 115 square foot new staircase for fire safety and to meet ADA code and the movement of the current exterior egress stair to fit fire safety codes, the installation of a chair lift, and a complete remodel of 2,265 square feet of the 3,500 square foot first level.
 
Both bathrooms on the main floor will be remodeled to be ADA compliant, providing enough room for a wheelchair turning radius, relocating the existing water fountain.  The new bathrooms will also have diaper-changing tables installed for parents of the community.
 
The Library Director’s office will be relocated to the northeast corner of the facility in place of the small storage room accessible from the outside. The exterior door will be removed and a window will be installed to allow in natural light.
 
A new janitorial closet and sink will be placed in the southeast corner of the facility; an additional storage and new casework in the work room with a new sink, and a new circulation desk with more storage and ADA accessibility are also included in the 2,265 square foot remodel.
 
Perhaps one of the biggest and most needed elements in the project is the installation of a chairlift on the first floor to the basement, allowing persons with walkers, wheelchairs, or strollers to use the community facilities in the basement.  The chairlift will be completely enclosed by glass, keeping the children in the library safe.
 
With the added space, the interior setup will also be redone. The children’s area and the adult area will be switched. This would expand both areas to the appropriate sizes required, and especially with the new addition.
 
The main features of the building elevations include the replacement of all the exterior doors in the facility with ADA accessible doors with abundant glass for natural light and visibility and to meet ADA code and the movement of the current exterior egress stair to fit fire safety codes.
 
Construction of these plans is set to begin sometime in late spring or early summer.  During the time of construction, the library will remain open, but will have limited services due to the remodel.  The community room in the basement of the library will be close over the summer, but the library’s services will still be available.  “We’re going to try to stay open as much as possible,” said Julie Beloungy, Thorp Public Library’s Director.  “The library board, along with April Gentz, our assistant librarian, and I, are very excited about this opportunity and welcome input from all library users. We want this library to fit the needs of the community and would love to hear comments, ideas, suggestions and concerns regarding this project.