County Seat Newspaper
of Clare County

Surrey-to-Library Conversion Making Progress

Taking a Peek Behind the Curtain

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HARRISON – When Harrison District Library Director Sheila Bissonnette asked if the Cleaver was interested in doing a walk-thru update on the library’s Surrey House renovation progress, there was no question – the answer was a resounding “YES!” That led to meeting up Friday morning to get a peek and to share with readers what has been going on behind the building’s historic walls.

The Surrey was purchased in April 2016, the architectural drawings done by May 2017, and the plan finalized in June 2018. Now, nearly three years later, and after years of fundraising and grant-writing, the final result is a bit easier to visualize.

Bissonnette opened the front door, leading the way into the mystery lying in the community’s midst. She explained the building had been gutted in early 2018 to learn “what things would jump out at us.” Fortunately, not much materialized by way of unexpected discoveries: a pipe here, a chimney there, and some lead paint and asbestos-laden tile adhesive which simply needed to be sealed rather than removed.

For the most part, the library board has been serving as project manager and tackling the project a bit at a time. That is due in part to financial frugality and in part because contractors and materials have been in short supply during COVID times.

“We actually have two contractors who work at the library,” Bissonnette said. “Jeff Wagner does our maintenance stuff and Rich Hilton has worked our circulation desk, and he’s a licensed contractor. They’re working with Hilts’ Plumbing and Mark Heckman [electrician]; we’re going local as much as possible.”

She added that while the latter two contractors are very busy, they come in periodically as the project evolves.

It was also noted that the project’s roof work went to local contractor Britton Roofing which, fortunately, provided the most economical bid.

She said Dave Lipovsky, county building inspector, has been helpful also when surprises are encountered, making recommendations which can be taken back to the architect.

What cannot be missed are the seriously spacious, functional areas for children, activities, expanded stacks, historical/archives, meeting room, patron quiet reading and computer access areas. Bissonnette conceded the window-lit, largest room will be a bit different once the 90-inch tall double bookshelves are in place. She also noted the architect’s plan for skylights in that area were omitted, due to its flat roof increasing the possibility of leaks.

“Just having the space – that’s the biggest thing,” Bissonnete said.

The existing outdoor wrought iron fenced patio will remain and be used for kids’ activities, book group meetings, etc. And Bissonnette envisions the expansive front porch being used by patrons who stop by with their own coffee shop brew to enjoy an outdoor read.

Utility costs will be a bit more than at the current library, but minimized by the use of LEDs and extra insulation in floors, walls and ceilings. Another part of making funds go as far as possible is delaying heat to the upper floors – for now.

Amazingly, all the work to-date has been done using only about $30,000 of the $400,000 project fund – that’s what can happen when people with a shared vision and other generous folks donate their time and efforts.

Bissonnette said the hope had been to have the project completed by the end of this year, but that more likely it will be 2022.

“We’ve come a long way, and there’s really not [much left]” she said, adding that once the bones of the structure are complete, “Then it’s just finishes.”

For now, the interior actually looks like any serious home remodeling project: doors to be salvaged leaning against exposed, newly-insulated stud walls; construction materials in the process of being applied/stored for the next step; and two men working hard to bring the library’s vision into reality.

Long sections of hanging, black insulated coil ducting provide heat to the construction area of the building, bringing to mind the film “Anaconda” – enough said.

The community has been able to watch changes to the building’s exterior: work done on the front façade and roof repairs. Another conspicuous change is the absence of the porch railing, which Bissonnette said could be replaced, although she actually prefers the new “openness.” She also pointed out the porch posts, now clad in long-life/low-maintenance PVC, noting that painting is an option, but unnecessary. The large overhanging entryway may still see some modifications, but that is yet to be decided. Also, the drive-up window may be affected by the location of a sewer drain cleanout access.

Again, as with any remodeling project, obstacles arise and plans adjust – so, the community just needs to stay tuned and wait for the turning of the library’s next page.

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