Week of August 17-22

WERE BROKE, BUT RENOVATING…WHERE’S THE MONEY
The number #1 question about this project is: How come if the library is reducing hours, staff and collections is there money for renovation? The answer is a two-parter. First, the Central Library was built in 1962 so it is 47 years old. The renovation is limited to upgrading the “parts” that do not meet current code – lighting, wiring, plumbing, cabling, ADA accessibility and shelving. The legal requirement to make Central Library compliant to current standards is not going to go away…it will only get worse. More porta potties? Secondly, the funds being used on the renovation project are either “targeted” funds which can only be used for a specific purpose, like ADA accessibility or 1-time money that cannot support multi-year costs – like staff, collections, utilities, etc.

WHO ARE ALL THOSE STRANGERS…..
Yesterday, just before the Prince and Princess Program there were dozens of non royalty in Central. More than 50 individuals representing 43 different construction companies attended a required “pre bid walk through” of Central. It was an opportunity for the architect, the project management team and City staff to introduce possible bidders to the conditions of our building and answer general questions about the bid. The bid closes on September 3rd. Until then there may be return visits by these contractors. After that date, all of the responses will be evaluated to determine what company will be doing the renovation.

WILLDAN BUILDING (AKA???????)…….
Until a name is chosen for the Interim space, our “short term” library will be called, the Willdan Building (original owners). Carol/Audrey/Karen Gerth (Admin), Rick Brown (Construction Liaison) Irma Lorah (Circulation), and Tom Edelblute (Automation) carefully maneuvered among dozens of old chairs, tables, files, and other assorted City surplus to find power, emergency exits, doors, etc. The plan, at this time…remember “du jour”…is to use much of the 15,000 first floor and create a circulation desk, media area, quiet zone, shelving, computer “lab”, general seating and staff offices. When the building is cleared and easier to navigate/view, staff from all of the impacted units will have an opportunity to check out our temporary work space. As far as names…still looking for suggestions that will help our patrons understand what services are at Harbor and what is available at Anaheim...and of course, it won’t help that the Carnegie building, across from the Willdan building, still has LIBRARY carved above its entrance.

TIMELINES AND IMPACTS
The shift from Central will impact the entire library operations…Some examples…the Staff Association Halloween Party is canceled and the Library Christmas party is looking for an alternate site…. Who gets the vending machines during construction?.... So…keep the questions coming and kudos to all the staff who recently moved media collections into the Children’s room, just one step of many in planning our interim plan of service.

Week of AUGUST 10-15, 2009

UNDER CONSTRUCTION….AGAIN AND SOON
It is official!!! The Central Library Interior Remodel Phase 3 project was put out to bid today. This means that contractors will be submitting proposals/costs to renovate the 1st floor, install ADA bathrooms on 2nd floor and new elevator. This project is expected to take six months beginning in late September. During this time, October through March, only the Children’s Room will be open to the public at Central.

INTERIM CENTRAL FACILITY…..
Since 74% of our Central library card holders are adults and teens and the usage of our Central Library increased over 20% last year, the Library Division recommended that an interim Central facility be available for adult and teen services in the downtown area during the renovation. Tom Wood, Anaheim’s City Manager, approved the use of the Willdan Building (corner of Anaheim/Broadway – across from Carnegie Building) as an Interim Central. Basically, the focus at the Interim will be on adult and teen computer use, quiet study and popular materials.

Also, our temporary quarters needs a name. Already suggested: Library/Central Annex – Central Interim – Central Temp – No Children Allowed Central (Just kidding). So..please submit a suggestion. The winning choice will receive a $20 gift certificate to Borders or Barnes & Noble (choice). Send suggestions to Carol via email or to Jennifer via paper.

WHAT’S GOING ON…….During the next weeks, Administration and managers will be working with Central staff and Branch Managers to determine what services, staff and collections will be offered in the Interim facility and who/what will be relocated to other locations.
This is a complex challenge to be addressed and implemented in the next six weeks. At this time, there are very few answers. In fact, we don’t know all the questions. I encourage all staff to share your questions with your supervisor or send questions to Rick Brown. As we gather information and make decisions you will be regularly notified through more issues of The Hard Hat Gazette, emails, blogs, etc.

THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE
I’m asking in advance for your patience and positive energy. We know, from our earlier projects, that there will be inconveniences, glitches and sometimes complete chaos. Your attitude and emotions will be reflected in our users so focus on the wonderful outcome….a more functional and attractive Central Library.

RENOVATION NEWS 2009-2010