Library to get new hours for remodel

Starting Jan. 22, the Madera County library near Courthouse Memorial Park will open and close late to enable improvements such as new carpeting and paint.

Proposed improvements will also include a new information desk and new furniture in the Children’s Area. Upgrades will be completed in phases to minimize the effect on library patrons.

The library’s new temporary hours will be 1-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 1-5 p.m. Friday. Hours on Saturday will remain 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The time shift will allow contractors to work on library upgrades in the morning. Unaffected areas of the library will welcome patrons in the afternoon and evening.

Areas under construction will be set apart with caution tape and orange cones to prevent people from entering them, according to Jorge Mendoza, the county’s capital projects manager. Paint will be rolled on to avoid fumes, he said, and there will not be much dust. Construction workers will finish their morning’s work by cleaning their area before leaving.

Children’s storytime has been relocated to the Board of Supervisors chamber in the county’s government center, 200 W. 4th St., at 11 a.m. Wednesdays.

The library project may cost $174,646, according to estimates presented to county supervisors Dec. 18.

Contractor bidding closed Nov. 20 with the winners Innovation Commercial Flooring bidding $57,500 for its services, Siotos Construction bidding $14,000 for painting, and Economy Movers bidding $33,235. The movers will pack an area’s contents into the Galloway Room before work takes place and then move it back when the improvement is completed.

It’s a “bear of a project,” County Librarian Patrick Fitzgerald told supervisors.

Additional cost estimates include about $70,000 for furniture, project management, special inspections, and contingency funds.

The county set aside the funds for the project in June and December. June’s portion includes money contributed annually by the city of Madera for the library’s services. December’s allotment included $24,000 in savings from the library’s group insurance account.

The library is at 121 North G St. For information, call 675-7871 or visit the website at maderacountylibrary.org.