Politics & Government

Ardmore Library Prepares for 5-Month Closure

The library will close Nov. 24 for repairs if bid awards are approved Wednesday night.

Pending a bid approval at Wednesday night’s Board of Commissioners meeting, the Ardmore Library will close at the end of day on Saturday, Nov. 24 for approximately five months in order to repair leaks and water issues in the building.

According to the Lower Merion Library System website, the work to be done in the upcoming months includes:

  • Re-grading areas around the building
  • Applying foundation coating at certain below-grade window infill areas to improve drainage
  • Restoring four wood windows and nine metal clerestory windows in the adult collection area
  • Repairing deteriorated roof joists in the adult collection area
  • Repairing/replacing damaged plaster in the adult collection area
  • Replacing the stair handrails from the main floor to the basement

The lowest bids, recommended for approval by the Chief Financial Officer Dean Dortone, total $147,101, and will be paid for by funds from a Community Development Block Grant, according to the Finance Committee agenda

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These repairs are being undertaken separately from other planned improvements to the library.

In July, Lower Merion commissioners voted to move forward with plans to renovate the Ardmore Library and Gladwyne Library simultaneously. The renovations at Ardmore Library, which will improve accessibility, replace or renovate the Ardmore Library's elevator and refurbish the children's room, will be undertaken after work on Bala Library is completed in early 2013.

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Director of Libraries Christine Steckel estimated in July that those Ardmore renovations will cost $1.2 million. However, the project is still under review and bids have not yet been sought.


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