RELEASE DATE: May 18, 2009
Contact: Christine Perkins
Bellingham Public Library
(360) 778-7206
cperkins@cob.org
FAIRHAVEN BRANCH LIBRARY CLOSED FOR REPAIRS
The Fairhaven Branch of the Bellingham Public Library is closed as of June 1 while repair work to the 104-year old building proceeds. Southside residents will continue to be able to return library materials to a book return at the Fairhaven Branch which is temporarily located just past the entrance to the library parking lot on 12th Street. The Community Drop Box at the Sehome Haggen will also continue to be available for returned items. Fairhaven Branch hold requests are being delivered to the Central Library for pickup during construction, which is expected to take several months. At a special Library Board meeting on April 27, the Library Board of Trustees voted to close the branch library for public and staff safety for approximately 150 days while the repairs are completed.
Repair work will focus on four major aspects: the exterior “envelope” of the building, the entry staircase, the windows, and re-grading the perimeter of the building to direct water away from window wells and the building foundation.
Crews will be removing the exterior stucco, repointing the brick face underneath and sealing the building to prevent further water damage. The crumbling stone staircase will be removed and rebuilt to increase safety for those entering the library’s lower level meeting rooms. Additionally, the original wood windows will be restored to operational condition, allowing for better ventilation during the summer months. The regrading portion of the project will require moving much of the landscaping around the building temporarily, then replanting it farther from the building to allow for better air circulation.
Dawson Construction is the general contractor coordinating repair efforts. “We’re thrilled that the lowest bid came from such a respected Bellingham construction firm,” said Library Director Pamela Kiesner. “We’ve heard many good things about Dawson and we know they have a particular interest in the Southside and preserving this historic cultural amenity.”
Fairhaven Branch Library staff members will be working at the Central Library during the temporary closure, but look forward to returning to the Fairhaven Branch in January 2010 when repairs are complete. So will many local organizations that meet regularly at the Fairhaven Branch, including the Bellingham Country Dance Society and others.
Updates about the project will be posted periodically to the library’s website at www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org.
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