Library closing Tuesday for two weeks

By Audrey Levine Staff Writer
   The Manville Public Library, on South Tenth Avenue, will close next week for carpet replacement, a renovation Director Ed Smith says is long overdue.
   ”This is the first time we have replaced it in 30 years,” Mr. Smith said. He has described the current carpet as dirty, with holes scattered throughout the building. “The new carpet will perk up the library, and make it look and feel nice.”
   The library will close its doors Monday until July 5, with a projected reopening July 7 after the work is expected to be completed.
   The Borough Council approved a resolution May 12 to award a contract for the replacement to Commercial Interiors Direct Inc., of Riverdale, at a cost of $59,401. A previous council resolution appropriated $42,000 for the project, with the balance to be paid by the library’s board of trustees.
   Mr. Smith said it is time to replace the worn carpet, which covers not only the floors but also a few walls in the building, a decorating feature no longer permitted.
   ”It’s going to be cleaner and nicer,” he said.
   As for borrowing materials, Mr. Smith said that books are normally due two weeks after they have been taken out, but the dates will be extended if they coincide with the closing.
   ”If the books are a little late, we will absorb the fines,” he said. The book drop will also be closed while the carpet is being replaced since no one will be in the building. “We want this to be a smooth transition.”
   Although the books will still be allowed out, Mr. Smith said, video and DVD lending stopped on Tuesday, because they are loaned for only one night.
   In addition, Mr. Smith said, he asks that book donations not be brought to the library until around Aug. 1, after the carpet replacement is complete and the staff has been able to clean up the space.
   Aside from the current carpet renovation project, Mr. Smith said he is working on proposals for new heat and air conditioning units, which also have not been changed in 30 years.
   ”We have to prepare for this next,” he said.