Groton library renovations still on target

The Groton Public Library has been closed to in-person patronage since March when the pandemic hit, forcing GPL Director Sara Knobel and her staff to work from home like many in Groton. But it was not too long thereafter when GPL entered the major construction phase of its planned expansion and renovation project at the end of May.

Initially, there was an almost 10-week delay while the GPL Board of Trustees waited out New York on PAUSE orders because of COVID-19. The good news at this point is that things are progressing along smoothly and on time, despite the delays, and the construction is well underway.

General contractor James and Son Construction was ready to go as soon as phase one of the New York Forward reopening plan took effect and the required safety plans were in place.

On May 26, the heavy equipment moved in and excavation began. The new addition took shape quickly as forms were built for the foundation and concrete footers were poured on June 9. If you happen to stop by and take a peek behind the library, you will see how much progress has been made since then with getting the steel framing ready to begin to add the exterior walls.

Almost simultaneously, work began inside with the demolition of the former staff office and restroom and the construction of a temporary wall to separate the work area from the rest of the library.

Prior to the contractors arriving, staff and many volunteers had spent weeks packing up books, disassembling the bookshelves and moving most of that to the former children’s area, with many of the bookshelves from there now crowding the front of the library. Even small children might find it difficult to maneuver through the maze of shelves and boxes temporarily occupying that space right now.

Contractor Knapp Electric and Petcosky & Sons has been very busy working on the interior renovations, building two new restrooms and transforming the former children’s area into what promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Behind what GPL patrons have known as the entirety of the library for the past 103 years now stands the beginnings of an exciting 2,000-square-foot expansion plan, made possible not only by donations and grants but also by the generosity of Lee Shurtleff, retired director and fire coordinator of the Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response, who donated the land upon which the new addition is being built.

The need for the expansion developed due to increased attendance at the many and varied program offerings. Our library is truly a hub of activity in our community.

Knobel said that the youth programming alone had grown to the point where some children had to be turned away due to lack of room. The expansion will include a large and flexible space to accommodate the growing need for children’s, youth and teen programs.

There will also be a kitchen and food prep area to accommodate nutritional and meal planning programs and more.
As the new back portion of GPL transforms into all of that, it will allow the front of the existing library space to return to a quiet reading area for those who had been missing that.

Some may have noticed the 1917 opening day photograph on the GPL wall that clearly depicts the reading room of the library looking very much like it does today.

The round wooden tables and chairs had served and seen so much use through the decades that the services of Barry and Barbara Siebe, owners of B&B This to That, 800 S. Main St., were procured to undertake the project of restoring the furniture to its former 1917 glory.

Not only has the furniture been spruced up, polished to shine and had its nicks and bruises repaired, but Barry also spent a great deal of time restoring the original circulation desk in the front of the library. It looks amazing, and the workmanship is quite impressive.

Despite the challenges posed by construction, which are further complicated by a pandemic, GPL has risen to the challenge for the past five months. GPL is offering virtual summer reading contests for all levels, children through adults; Facebook and Instagram programming for children and families; virtual book clubs; and story times and more.

GPL has also continued its partnership with Friendship Donation Network (FDN) to offer free, healthy food Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at the C.R. Pavilion on Main Street and has also recently added blue coolers outside the front of the library doors containing donations from FDN Neighborhood Food Hub.

Farmers and gardeners drop off their extra produce and anyone in the Groton community may take what they need. This is donated fresh produce for free, all summer long.

Knobel, the library staff and the Board of Trustees all look forward to the day we can begin to enjoy the library improvements without restrictions and disruptions and are confident that the final outcome will be worth the efforts that so many people have put into this project. They are very grateful to all who have supported the GPL.

Groton on the Inside appears weekly. Submit news ideas to Linda Competillo, lmc10@cornell.edu or 607-227-4922.

In brief:

GPTO Virtual High $5 Drive

COVID-19 has severely limited the ability of the Groton Jr./Sr. High School PTO to fundraise, but the organization does not want to stop helping its students, teachers and community, so it has come up with an initiative to try and do just that. Your support will allow the PTO to uphold its mission by donating to the new Virtual High $5 Drive. Make your donation today at grotonpto.square.site.

Dance Camp registration open

Dance camp will look different this year but still promises to be a wonderful part of your summer experience. Explore a variety of dance styles including ballet, interpretive, individual swing, tap and others, as well as learn stage presence, ballet pantomime, use of streamers, gesturing and more.

Each dancer will receive their own dance streamer and large dance flower to keep and bring each day to camp for use in their personal dance space. Perform in a short, socially distanced performance for family only on Friday. Instructed by Camille Viglietta.

Camp is for students ages 6 to 13 and is held 9 to 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 24 through Friday, Aug. 28, located at the Conger Boulevard Pavilion.

Registration now open at tshq.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=2198940 until midnight Friday, Aug. 21. Cost for the class is $30 per child.

Remember your curfew

No child under the age of 16 shall be in or upon any of the streets, parks or public places in the village of Groton after the hour of 10 p.m. and before the hour of 6 a.m. the following day, unless such child is accompanied by their parent, guardian or other person having legal care or control of such child or such child is traveling directly to or directly home from any activity sponsored by an educational, religious or adult-organized institution.