CONWAY — A series of renovation and restoration projects are underway at the Field Memorial Library while the building remains closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The renovations — which began with the exterior of the dome on July 27 — include the restoration of a dedication text in the interior of the rotunda, upgrades to lighting, and the replacement of the current heating system with a cheaper, more efficient one.
The work, which Field Memorial Library Director David Whittier said will likely keep the building on Elm Street closed to the public for the next few months, is being funded by a $115,854 Community Preservation Act grant obtained by the library.
“We’re really happy that (renovations) are underway,” Whittier said.
He explained that the exterior of the dome required repairs because it was leaking.
“When raindrops fall 40 feet and land on the marble floor, they make a lot of noise,” Whittier noted. “That part of the work is to re-caulk and repaint the dome.”
The exterior work to the dome is almost done, he said. Currently, workers are inside restoring the dedication text on the circumference of the rotunda.
Upgrading the lighting will also be a major aspect of the project, he said.
“We’ve got some really old, tired fluorescent lighting in our reading rooms and in our fiction stacks room,” Whittier said. “They’re going to replace the lighting, and that’s going to be a very welcomed renovation. Because of the height of the ceilings, it’s rather extensive work — it’s too high for ladders.”
The library will also be switching out the oil heating for radiant heating, he said. Radiant heating is a system of supplying heat to the floor or the panels in the wall to transfer heat into the room.
In addition to the larger projects, there will also be minor painting and water damage repairs, as well as improvements to the front door.
“The COVID situation transitioned into the renovation situation, both of which are keeping the library closed to physical visits for the next few months,” he said.
The library is offering “steps-side” delivery of items, but because of the renovations, delivery must be scheduled in advance, according to the library’s website, fieldmemoriallibrary.org. Patrons can schedule a 30-minute pickup window on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and other weekdays as conditions allow, by emailing director@fieldmemoriallibrary.org.
Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 263. Twitter: @MaryEByrne