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Morrow Memorial Library outlines programming, seed library and water‑penetration testing of building
Summary
Library Director Clayton Sheever updated the board on a growing seed‑library program, spring concerts and sensory‑friendly programming and described an upcoming water‑penetration test by contractors to identify building leaks before repairs; the library expects testing over three days, weather permitting.
Clayton Sheever, director of Morrow Memorial Library, updated the Board of Selectmen on March 25 about library programs and a planned building investigation to locate water infiltration points.
Programs and partnerships: Sheever described the seed library (a partnership with town conservation and local groups) now in its second year with more than 75 seed varieties and community seed‑packing events. The library is hosting free spring concerts and cultural events in the Simone Room (including a concert by Ricardo Parra and a program of works by women composers from Cuba, Argentina and Colombia). The library continues MediaWise fact‑checking programs, has a senior‑planning program coordinated with Blue Cross Blue Shield, entrepreneurship workshops in partnership with economic development staff, and sensory‑friendly offerings that drew regional participants.
Building investigation and repairs: Sheever briefed the board on forthcoming water‑penetration testing, funded through a capital appropriation previously approved at Town Meeting. A consulting team will perform targeted interior exposures and then use exterior water spraying to simulate a heavy rainstorm over two to three days to pinpoint leakage locations; the contractor will patch publicly visible areas after testing. Sheever said the contractor will not perform the wet‑spray testing if overnight temperatures are forecast below 35°F because of freeze risk; the test dates will be set only when weather is suitable. The work is intended to inform repairs beyond a surface repaint and to reduce future water damage.
Why it matters: the library is both a community center for events and a physical asset in need of repairs; the diagnostic testing aims to define the right scope of work and prevent recurring damage. Sheever asked the board to note the schedule and said staff will coordinate to minimize disruption to public services during the testing.
Next steps: contractors will begin targeted interior access and then an exterior wet test once weather permits; the library will then publish recommendations and a repair plan.
