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Library move to Thornton Burgess delayed; town cites floor, asbestos and electronic‑door work
Summary
Town staff told the Select Board the planned Oct. 1 move of library collections to Thornton Burgess is not feasible because of required asbestos abatement, tile/floor replacement and electronic door and HVAC controls; officials now target November–December and asked staff to update the library weekly.
Town officials told the Select Board Sept. 2 that the planned Oct. 1 move of the library collections to the Thornton Burgess building is not realistic because asbestos abatement, tile replacement, HVAC control work and electronic door installations remain to be completed.
Library and town staff said tile replacement and asbestos abatement in three front rooms must happen before heavy moving. The asbestos work has been bid but not awarded; town staff said the flooring work cannot be completed after the books are moved into the rooms. Officials also said electronic access doors are needed to separate the library’s night and after‑hours use from other building spaces and that HVAC controls and protection for collections must be in place before moving.
Facilities manager Herb Foley is scheduled to begin work on Sept. 8; staff said his arrival will speed up coordination of flooring, HVAC and door control work. Town administrator Brian said an October 1 move is “definitely not gonna happen” and suggested a target of November 1 or December 1, with staff providing weekly updates on progress. The library director said moving vendors require a couple of weeks’ notice for the heavy lift; town staff said the bulkier items will move into the old library building and the children’s collections and teen‑space plans will be coordinated with Parks & Rec and staff.
Why it matters: moving the library collections prematurely could force repetitive work and risk damage to materials. Officials emphasized completing asbestos abatement, tile replacement and door/HVAC controls before a full move.
Board direction and next steps: staff will provide weekly updates; facilities manager will coordinate contractors, and town staff will notify library staff and the mover once dates are firm. Specific responsibilities—such as whether the town or library will provide painting and minor installation—will be clarified by staff in the coming days.
