First Signs of Shaft Construction

First it was demolition. Then it was excavation. This week we made the official transition to construction as workers began pouring concrete for the base of the elevator shaft. From here the only way to go is up.

The base of the elevator shaft takes shape.



The library received a shipment of cinder blocks for the shaft.

Sounds of Progress

When you tell people you work in a library, the two things you hear most often are "You must get to read a lot of books" and "It sure must be quiet." Both are, of course, myths, but these days at the Albright "quiet" is especially scarce. This audio file gives you an idea of the sonorous sounds our patient patrons and staff have been enjoying recently. (Also available as a  .wav file if that is your preference.)




This is the culprit.



 

...but it is all worth it. This is a drawing of the proposed elevator structure.

 

Video Tour of Construction Site

We hope you enjoy this video tour of the elevator construction site.

Longer Walk when "Nature Calls"

When you are involved in a construction project, some days are..well....just crappy. One casuality of the excavation is our old sewer pipes. Broken pipes have, intermittently over the last few days, taken the Albright restrooms out of service. Luckily for those in need, restrooms are still available in the basement of the Children's Library.

This sign has gotten a lot of use lately.

You wouldn't want to cool off in this water.

New pipes mean everything will be alright in Albright.

Article on the Elevator Project in Scranton Times-Tribune

There is an article on the Elevator Project in today's (8/14/2012) Scranton Times-Tribune. You can see it here.

From Demolition to Excavation

The obvious hole in the ground tells us we have moved from the demolition phase to the excavation phase. The white translucent circle is a raindrop on the camera lens; proof that a few drops will not hold up the project.



Elevator Mechanical Room Takes Shape

An insulated wall was erected in former office space thereby creating the elevator's Mechanical Room. This room will also be used as a temporary work area for the contractors during construction.

New wall and contractor work area.

Detailed drawings are available for quick consulation by workers.

Ramp Removal and Handicapped Access

The handicapped access ramp, dating from the early 1990's, was removed on Friday. Handicapped computer access will be available in the Children's Library during construction. See the sign below for details.

Handicapped Computer Access:

Construction Begins (Aug 3, 2012)

Construction has officially begun. In these photos, you can see workers removing the ramp in the rear of the building. The door in the picture will also be removed today. The library will remain open during construction. Library patrons may continue to use the front entrance. Additional information on accessibility options during construction will be posted soon to this blog. In the meantime, this article in Go Lackawanna provides a good overview of the elevator project.



Moving Offices and Marking the Pavement

The first steps in the elevator project are not dramatic, but they are important in their quiet way. We had to juggle office space to make room for the elevator mechanicals. Also, new pavement markings in the back of the Albright indicate where the elevator shaft will go.