NORWOOD, N.J.—Most structural repairs are nearing completion at Norwood Public Library following major flood damage in July to its first floor and lower level and the library director anticipates a Spring 2020 re-opening for a new and improved local library.
Library Director Sally Diaz told Northern Valley Press that 90 percent of structural repairs are complete, including replacement of most floors and rugs on the main and lower levels, which suffered extensive water damage following a burst pipe in a main level bathroom.
ADA-compliant bathrooms
She noted the bathrooms would be upgraded and made compliant with handicap-accessible accommodations required under the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, Diaz said the library must be made ADA-compliant, including making aisles wheelchair-friendly.
Diaz said furnishings that were damaged and needed replacing were recently ordered, but generally require 10-12 weeks for delivery.
Replacements were needed for a variety of damaged items including circulation desks and bookshelves, she said.
Sorting 30,000 books
She said over 30,000 books, periodicals and informational materials must be catalogued and re-shelved once the new shelving is installed.
“Everything has gone beautifully so far,” said Diaz, noting Mayor James Barsa and the borough council “have been extremely supportive and have done a great job” fixing the damaged public library.
She said the the “silver lining is we’re going to be more modernized, with more opportunities for visitors to use their own devices…everything will be more bright, beautiful and forward thinking,” she added.
Asked if she could predict what month the library might reopen, Diaz declined noting much depends on materials delivery, and much remaining work to be done by staff before it is ready.
Library patrons have frequented nearby libraries, which are part of the county’s cooperative library system of 75 libraries, known as BCCLS, or “Buckles,” said Diaz.
She said a re-opening celebration may occur when library doors open in 2020.
Barsa told Northern Valley Press Nov. 21 that “repairs were moving along on schedule” and he was optimistic about re-opening the newly renovated library.
Barsa previously noted “it is my hope that we can turn this unfortunate incident at the library into one that benefits the residents of Norwood.”
He said while repairs continued at the library, a previously awarded bid to replace the library roof would occur simultaneously, minimizing any inconvenience for residents after the library re-opens.