COLUMBIANA Library project gets on a roll

The sights and sounds of construction haven't dampened patrons' spirits, the library director said.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
COLUMBIANA -- Patrons navigate through construction zones. Construction workers worry they're making too much noise.
Construction of the Columbiana Public Library's $1 million addition is well under way.
Carol Cobbs, library director, said construction crews have been making good progress since work began during the first week of October.
Library officials hope to have the addition under roof before severe winter weather sets in.
Cobbs said with the progress made so far, that's still an attainable goal. Contractors have said unless temperatures dive into the subzero range, work outside can continue through much of December.
She said Thursday's sunshine made for an exceptionally good day for construction crews after several days of dreary, rainy weather.
Cobbs said library staff and patrons are excited to see work progressing. The staff planned most of the library's fall events to end before construction began, she said.
Still going
Limited parking and the sights and sounds of construction haven't dampened patrons' spirits nor kept them away from the library, Cobbs said.
"Patrons are understanding and construction crews courteous," she said. "It does get noisy sometimes, especially when they are taking the bricks off outside."
Cobbs said the expansion will take nearly a year.
Jim Santini Builders Inc. of Washingtonville is the general contractor.
The total square footage of the addition will be 6,588 square feet, with adult and children's areas and the community room expanded. Most of the addition will be to the east side of the library, Cobbs said.
Voters approved an issue in May 2001 that will allow the library to borrow $1 million through the sale of bonds for the project.