The Hopewell Borough Public Library has a new roof.
The roof is the result of a fall project for improvements and repairs that were completed for 2020.
The roof was considerably compromised and required repair/replacement, as did some of the woodworking and fascia boards, all due to age, according to Hopewell Borough Administrator Michele Hovan, who confirmed the completion of the project.
“This project was absolutely and positively key for the library. Our roof was in disrepair,” said Anne Zeman, Hopewell Borough Public Library Director. “We were missing gutters and this was more than just a roof repair, it was the correcting and pointing of the chimney as well. This is just a wonderful historic building and needed some loving up care.”
She specifically highlighted the copper gutters that she said is a real tribute to the historic building.
The library was founded in 1914 and had moved to its current location at East Broad Street in 1965.
The Hopewell Public Library building has an 1896 brick and frame structure located in the local historic district in Hopewell Borough.
The project consisted of two roof replacements, a new asphalt shingle roof and a new standing seam copper roof.
Before the replacements the library had an existing asphalt shingle roof and standing seam tin roof, which were both removed.
According to officials, the project also included new built-in gutters, fascias, rake boards, and trims all to match the existing, and new half round gutters and new leaders. There was also structural work in one of the attics.
A contract for $131,000 was awarded to EDA Contractors, Inc. of Bensalem, Pa., in September of 2019. The work was completed within the three-month time frame allotted, and had been accepted by the Borough.
“Things happen and you get them when you can afford them. A roof costs a lot of money and you get to it when you can,” Zeman said. “I think any building worth keeping, is worth mending. This is a historic and wonderful building that is a contributing factor to the historical overlay of Hopewell Borough. There are many homes and business who fall under this category.”
During the fall project, the library remained open.
Borough officials and the Hopewell Library Board of Trustees said they were pleased with the final result.
“This definitely and important element in the center of the Borough. This was definitely worth fixing,” Zeman said.