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Library to require larger waterline
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CURRENT LIBRARY: Andy Smith, the librarian of the Leetonia library, is shown in the present library. A new library is expected to be completed by mid-summer.
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Leetonia library construction
Library use in Leetonia continues to rise.
LEETONIA — You can’t enjoy literature without an 8-inch waterline.
Work continues on construction of the new Leetonia Community Public Library that is expected to be completed by midsummer.
In order to provide an adequate amount of water for a fire-suppression system, the library has to increase the water pressure, and a waterline has to be installed.
The new library at 181 Walnut St. is on the site of the former village high school and football field.
Librarian Andrew Smith said the waterline also will help area residents who have had low water pressure. The line will travel around the back of the new library and mostly on the building’s right of way next to the sidewalk. That also will prevent tearing up Walnut Street, a major village thoroughfare.
Gary Phillips, the village administrator, said the line will cost about $135,000.
“We have the money in our contingency fund” to pay for it, Smith said. Work is to begin as soon as possible.
If activated, the fire-suppression system would damage the materials but would protect the building, Smith said.
That would be especially bad because Leetonia residents really use their library.
Usage has been up 10 percent to 20 percent a year since 2007, Smith added.
Many people are using library computers for job services such as filing for unemployment, looking for job openings and applying for them.
“A lot of companies require online applications. We’re seeing an increase in that,” Smith said.
The library has six computers. The new building will have 18 or more.
When the library is completed, the books will be at the building’s northern end. There will be an area at the southern end of the building that will have wireless Internet connections for laptop computers.
The new building will cost $2.1 million with the cost to the average homeowner of $35 a year. Voters approved a tax issue in 2006 to help fund the library
About 95 percent of the drywall is up in the building. Contractors are working on the exterior, the interior walls and plumbing.
wilkinson@vindy.com