Salem-South Lyon District Library

Last week Best Asphalt excavated the south side of the new parking lot.  It was surprising to see how quickly things go once they get started.  The soil compaction test “passed” and soon cars can park on the south side.

Blacy Tree came and moved the remaining trees on the north side of the property to make way for the additional parking.  Five crabapple trees and two pear trees were relocated on the library property.  The five crabapples lining the north side are all in bloom.  The two pear trees are now located at the north entrance to the library near the drive.  They look beautiful!  The three pines and two maples that were moved the day after Thanksgiving are located near the pond on the south side and look healthy and pretty.

The north side of the new parking lot was also excavated last week and the area behind the current adult wing was excavated to prepare for the footings for the new teen wing and computer lab. The Garden volunteers had previously moved all of the plants and bulbs that they wanted to save.

The front parking lot directly in front of the building is being excavated today (May 5) to prepare the handicap parking that will be moved closer to the building.  We have turned the staff parking lot into the handicap parking until the new area is completed.  There is a sloped ramp that hooks up with the sidewalk that runs in front of the flagpoles.  Our staff is parking out further so as to allow our patrons the closest parking.

Don’t forget to check out the online gallery of the construction progress at http://picasaweb.google.com/ssldl.info/ .  We apologize for any short-term inconvenience while we work to provide you, our valued patrons, even better service!

Welcome to the Salem-South Lyon District Library Director Blog.  Each month I’ll be sharing news with you about the Library, the Library staff and what’s in store for you, our valued patrons.

This month I’d like to recognize our Friends of the Library organization for their contributions to the Library and encourage you to become a friend. 

The Friends of the Library were formed in April of 1962.  That first group of Friends helped raise funds to build the “new” library located in the City of South Lyon on Lake Street.  In 1993, the City of South Lyon and the Township of Salem joined together to form the Salem-South Lyon District Library.  The charge of the first elected Library Board was to secure property for a new, larger library building and to campaign for a library millage.  A 14.4 acre plot of land was purchased and once again, the Friends of the Library were instrumental in providing funds, labor and know-how for the library.  The Friends hand-built the stone fireplace, designed and established all of the library gardens, including the central courtyard, raised over $10,000 to support the library, and campaigned for the library millage.

Over the years the Friends group has grown and provides financial support of $12 - $15,000 annually.  These funds are used to support:

• printing and mailing the library newsletter to over 14,000 residents 3x per year
• purchasing library materials
• providing additional computers for public use
• providing educational programs

All of the library gardens are maintained by Friends of the Library volunteers.  Each garden has its own style with blooms throughout the seasons.

The Used Book Sale Room is tended by a dedicated group of volunteers who earned over $15,000 in 2007 to support library “extras.”

We have a saying at the library:  Volunteers are not paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.”

The library will be expanding in spring 2008.  Take a look at the Library Expansion link to watch the progress!  The Library Board signed an agreement on June 21, 2007 with Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber to serve as the Integrated Service Provider for the Salem-South Lyon District Library Renovations and Additions.  The project will begin as soon as the weather allows and will be completed by December 2008.

The Salem-South Lyon District Library opened the doors at its home on Pontiac Trail in May 1998.  The current facility is 14,300 square feet.  The additions will add 4,828 square feet to the building, add 54 additional parking spaces, four study rooms, a Teen area, computer lab, and a drive-up book return.

Bid Set information was made available on January 21, 2008 and plans were made available for review on CAM, CNS of Detroit and Lansing, Builders Exchange (Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Tri-City), McGraw-Hill Dodge (Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Lansing), FTC&H offices (Grand Rapids, Lansing, Farmington, and Kalamazoo), Plan Room (Ann Arbor).

On Wednesday, January 30th, there was a pre-bid meeting and walk-through.  Bids were accepted in person at the Farmington Hills FTC&H office by 10:00 am on Tuesday, February 12, 2008.  Bids were opened publicly at the Salem-South Lyon District Library at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2008.

Interviews of the lowest bidders were conducted the week of February 18 and 25.

The Library Board approved the start of the expansion with the recommended contracting companies at their February 25 Board meeting.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Monday, March 31, 2008.  As soon as the load limit restrictions are lifted, construction will begin!

Added parking, drive-up book return, “kink” removed from drive entrance.