November 2009 Building Update: On Track for 2010 Openings!
The Library District has begun the construction of the new 27,000 square foot Rifle Branch Library scheduled to open in November 2010. In conjunction with the City of Rifle, the project received a Department of Local Affairs grant for $1.7 million to provide a partial second deck to the parking lot and a new civic plaza in front of the existing Rifle City Hall. The project is providing a much needed expansion of library services to the citizens of Rifle and Garfield County. The new library will feature four study rooms, three meeting rooms, wireless Internet access, public computers, children’s and teen areas and an expanded Colorado Room with local history resources and a fireplace. The building will also feature ample outdoor spaces with a reading garden and terrace off of the second floor community room. As always, the library and its services and programs are free and open to the public.
The new two-story building was designed by architect Bruce Flynn of Barker Rinker Seacat, and Adolfson and Peterson Construction is serving as the general contractor. The Library District is investigating several new technologies for the Rifle library including self-check-out, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tagging for inventory, circulation and security, and self-service for reservations on computers and print systems. The library will provide state-of-the-art service through upgraded computer systems and house nearly double the number of books on the shelf. The children’s area will feature a special early literacy center for preschoolers to help them build their pre-reading skills. There will be plenty of room for growth on both floors to anticipate the future needs of the community.
The new library is seeking LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification and hopes to obtain a Gold rating. The roof will be home to a minimum of 15 kilowatts of photovoltaic power (solar electricity) provided through a grant from the Governor’s Energy Office, DOLA and CLEER as part of the Garfield County New Energy Communities Initiative. The first floor will have an under floor air distribution (UFAD) system to facilitate heating, cooling, and wiring. The second floor will house meeting rooms as well as the Library District’s Administration offices. The building will feature energy-efficient components such as light-emitting diode (LED) lights which have up to 35,000 hours of useful life and many other components with recycled content such as carpeting and site fill.
While the library is under construction, the Library District has opened a temporary facility at 139 West 3rd Street. It has almost all of its regular services and materials available, although programming is somewhat limited. The hours have remained the same with the library being open seven days a week year round. Call 625-3471 for information or check out our website at www.gcpld.org to see information on programs, hours and to learn what’s new at your library.
The Library District will begin the remodel and expansion of the Parachute Branch Library in early December. A ground breaking ceremony is scheduled for December 17th at 2pm. The library will move temporarily to a Garfield County School District RE-16 facility in late January and remain there until the library reopens in July 2010. We will provide more information about the planned move in the near future.
The addition to the existing building will allow for a 100 person meeting room that will be available to community groups at no charge. The facility will also undergo an extensive renovation that will add a study room, additional public computers, improved teen and children’s areas and a reading area with a fireplace. Just as in Rifle, the design for the new facility is from architect Bruce Flynn of Barker Rinker Seacat, and Adolfson and Peterson Construction is serving as the general contractor. The library will also receive a new heating and air-conditioning system and energy-efficient lighting fixtures throughout. This project also has photovoltaic solar power planned as part of the Garfield County New Energy Communities Initiative, although the exact amount has not yet been determined.
One way to make a lasting legacy to the community is through a gift to the new library. Donations are being accepted for various furnishings and upgrades as well as naming opportunities for meeting rooms. The Friends of the Rifle Branch Library have already designated funds to purchase the hearth and fireplace as well as provide some outdoor furnishings. Heritage Windows, Incorporated is assisting in raising funds to support the full restoration and installation of the Roosevelt Window in the new facility. Contact me by email at ashelley@gcpld.org or call me at 970-625-4270 to discuss our donor program. I welcome your comments and support!
-Amelia Shelley, Executive Director