Okay, it has been a bit inconvenient to get to the library over the past few weeks…what are all those trucks doing in the library parking lot? Is it a smaller version of the never ending Big Dig of Boston?
Staff agrees, it has been a hassle trying to park and get into the building. The gas line has come to the library! You know those annoying traffic delays you hit when you try to get to, well, anywhere, are mostly due to Summit Gas installing the infrastructure so that businesses and residences have an option on heating fuel. The library is no exception.
Imagine trying to heat this 132-year old building with all the old windows and with doors opening constantly…believe me, it eats away at our precious operating budget. By switching our fuel over to gas, the heating bill should be cut by ½ and that will be a great way for the library budget to remain steady. Gas prices are regulated by the Public Utilities Commission and users should not experience the high spikes we have seen when heating with oil, so we are switching.
The gas line has been buried underneath Library Street and now, the library can hook into it. City staff also took the opportunity to replace a very old water pipe that was probably contributing to the moisture problems we experience in our Community Archives Room currently situated in the basement. So, 2 birds with one stone as they say.
Our library community should give an extra special shout-out to the great employees of the Public Works Department. Under the supervision of PW Director, Tony LaPlante, they did the necessary work on Library Street in just over 2 days, way to go guys! By being part of this cooperative spirit, the work will help save the library over $17,000…imagine the amount of Library items that could buy?
So be patient, our mini Big Dig should be completed within the next few weeks and our parking spaces will be returned back to us with an excellent savings for the library.
Anne Davis, Library Director