March 2010 Building Update: Buildings Are Taking Shape
The Rifle Branch Library is going up! The footings, foundation walls, elevator and stairwell cores are all poured. The parking structure is also underway with the footings complete and cast-in-place walls being poured this month. Have you seen the huge crane on site? The steel is being set in place and the exterior structure should be in place by the end of the month. The building features a raised floor system, so if you stop by the site you might notice that the floors are 18” below grade. This will allow for an under floor air distribution (UFAD) system for heating the building as well as data and electrical wiring. UFAD systems make for extremely flexible buildings and will allow for future growth in technology.
One of the things that we are most pleased about is the number of local subcontractors we are able to work with in this project. With all of the subcontractors awarded, Rifle has 69% of the subs from the Western Slope and 48% from Garfield County. Parachute did slightly better with 75% of the subs from the Western Slope and 50% of those from Garfield County. We currently have a Request for Qualifications out for the Rifle 30 to 50kw photovoltaic system, as well as a Request for Proposals for an 8kw system for Parachute. These projects are being funded in part through a Garfield New Energy Communities Initiative to purchase the systems. Both systems will serve as educational opportunities for the community to see PV in use at a governmental facility and the libraries will have interactive computers that will allow the public to see both production and usage numbers.
The Library District has selected Integrated Technology Group as our radio-frequency identification (RFID) vendor for self-check-out, inventory, circulation and security, as well as self-service for reservations on computer and print systems.
The Parachute Branch Library is also making great progress. If you’ve been by lately you might have noticed some gaping holes in the building. We are adding on a 4,000 square foot area on the east side of the building and a 200 square foot vestibule on the south side. The roof was partially removed to accommodate a new mechanical well on the roof. The addition will serve as the new reading area with teen and adult fiction, non-fiction, magazines and newspapers as well as lounge chairs, study tables and a fireplace. Adult and teen computers will also be available in this part of the building. Most exciting about this remodel is that the former adult reading area is being repurposed into a 100-person meeting room with a kitchen that will be available for library events and community meetings.
If you are interested in donor opportunities in association with these projects, I encourage you to contact me to set up a meeting at 625-4270 or by emailing me at ashelley@gcpld.org. Donations are being sought for various upgrades to the facilities as well as naming opportunities for meeting rooms. The Friends of the Rifle and Parachute Branch Libraries have already designated funds at both facilities for things ranging from the hearth and fireplace to an early literacy installation for preschool children.
Coming soon at both of the temporary library locations will be a chance to "sit test" potential furniture for the new libraries. Chairs for meetings room, computer stations, lounge seating and reader tables are all being selected at this time. Come on in and let us know what feels best. As always, I welcome your comments and questions!
-Amelia Shelley, Executive Director