Library Director Tim Wiles

BUILDING PROJECT COMPLETE!

Stay tuned for GPL updates on Facebook, Instagram, and by subscribing to eNews.

 

September 24, 2021

WELCOME BACK!

We look forward to seeing you at the newly renovated and expanded GPL! Our building project was completed (with the exception of the cafe) 10.5 months ahead of schedule and about $250,000 under budget.

Click here for detailed map shown above.

Click here for flyer with building project highlights.

Click here for the September 14, 2021 Altamont Enterprise article on the building project.

Click here for monthly progress reports on this renovation / expansion project.

Ribbon Cutting September 24, 2021

Ribbon Cutting September 24, 2021

 

Click here for .pdf of project goals (first flyer)

Click here for .pdf of project timeline (second flyer)

October 15, 2020: 

GUILDERLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY COMMENCES BUILDING PROJECT  

Guilderland Public Library broke ground on their nine million building project, approved by Guilderland voters in May, 2019 and slated for completion in fall, 2021. This project to upgrade and expand the 1992 structure was conceptualized by Butler Rowland Mays Architects, LLP, a Ballston Spa firm specializing in library renovation, and is overseen by Turner Construction Company.

Bette & Cring, LLC is handling the general construction prime contract, coordinating services with DiGesare Mechanical, Inc. for plumbing; Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Company, Inc. for fire protection; Campito Plumbing & Heating, Inc. for mechanical; and Flex Electric, LLC for electrical work.  At present, the project is on time and under budget.

This initiative incorporates extensive community input and addresses the huge increase in library programming during the past 30 years.  Very few programs were offered when the building opened in 1992; by contrast, GPL held 797 programs in 2019.  A total of 6,400 square feet will be added to better accommodate community needs.

Initial phases include a children’s addition and dedicated teen space on the library’s east end; the addition of a sprinkler system; and bathroom renovations to better accommodate families and provide unisex options while ensuring ADA compliance.  Additional meeting, event and study space; a flexible multi-use area; and a combination coffee shop / used bookstore outsourced as a revenue stream are also planned.

The library is honoring its 2019 promise of remaining open during construction, though the pandemic has presented unique challenges toward achieving that goal safely.  Browsing and self-checkout is available in the handicap-accessible Normanskill Room during curbside service hours, and public access is expected to expand in the near future.

“Public feedback has been overwhelmingly positive on our handling of the pandemic and juggling the building project at the same time,” stated Guilderland Public Library Director Tim Wiles.  “Safety first continues to be the guiding principle by which we operate.  The dual challenges of stewarding a building project during the pandemic have been daunting, but we remain optimistic as this much-anticipated project becomes tangible.  We’re committed to serving the community as much as we can, in person and through a wealth of online materials and programs, throughout the construction process.”

Exhibit B – Guilderland Public Library Site Logisitics Plan Flattened

Exhibit C – Guilderland Public Library Phasing PlanR1 Flattened

September 24, 2020:  The Guilderland Public Library Board of Trustees met virtually to review and award the construction project to a general contractor and specialized contractors, selected from all bids received by Sept. 22. We are required by law to accept the lowest bid.

Results:

  • General Construction Prime Contract to Bette & Cring, LLC
  • Plumbing Prime Contract to DiGesare Mechanical, Inc.
  • Fire Protection Prime Contract to Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Company, Inc.
  • Mechanical Prime Contract to Campito Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
  • Electrical Prime Contract to Flex Electric, LLC

At this point in the process, we are on time and on budget.  Construction is anticipated to begin Thursday, October 15.

September, 2020:  Documents and specs went out to bid 9/1/2020 and are due back 9/22/2020.  All bids received will be reviewed by our Board of Trustees at a virtual special board meeting Thursday, September 24 at 6 pm, streamed on our Facebook page and archived here.  Public commentary is welcome anytime at:  pc@guilderlandlibrary.org.  The goal is to select a general contractor by the end of September, and begin construction work mid-October.  If all goes according to plan, project completion is slated for fall, 2021.

Read the 9/8/2020 Altamont Enterprise article here.

January, 2020:  Our proposal received State Education Department approval during the fall of 2019. Since then, we’ve been meeting with Ballston Spa architecture firm Butler Rowland Mays, LLC to articulate more detailed building project plans.  They specialize in library renovation, and their expertise is incredibly helpful. We expect to go to bid around October 2020, and commence construction soon afterwards, anticipating completion of the renovated facility in the summer of 2022.  As this project steadily takes shape, we will report more as we know it.  We’re looking forward to a clear vision in 2020 for Guilderland’s enhanced gathering place for lifelong learning and community engagement…your friendly local library!

September, 2019:  We are excited about the prospect of serving you better with an improved facility to accommodate your needs!  The library renewal project is roughly a three-year process.  Our proposal is currently in the initial review stage with the State Education Department.  Subject to their approval timeline, we hope to go to bid around October 2020, and commence construction soon afterwards.  We anticipate completion of the renovated facility sometime around July 2022.  This page will be updated with further developments as they become available…stay tuned!

ELECTION RESULTS

Here are the official results of the May 21, 2019 vote:

Proposition #2 – Capital Construction Bond: 58% YES

THANK YOU to everyone who participated in this election. This is YOUR library! We want to make it the very best community resource it can be for you and your family – a safe haven of enrichment for all. We’re excited about incorporating the changes you asked for, and grateful for the opportunity to serve you!

Read the 5/22/19 Times Union article here

Read the 5/23/19 Altamont Enterprise article here

=========================================================================================================================================================================

SPRING 2019

Based on extensive public input over the past 18 months and careful consideration of the best course of action to address current and future needs, the Guilderland Public Library Board of Trustees has formulated a plan for renovating and enhancing the building, which is more than a quarter-century old and operating at or near capacity.  The public is invited to attend information sessions in advance of the May 21 referendum vote: Tuesday, April 16 at 4:00 and 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, April 30 at 2:00 p.m.; Thursday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m;  Thursday May 9 at 1:00 p.m.; Tuesday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m.  Monday, May 20 from 10 a.m. – 6:45 p.m:  “Ask Me Anything!” Open House with Library Director Tim Wiles.  This information is also being presented to various community groups.

2019 UPDATE

PRESS CLIPPINGS

Link to proposed floor plan from Butler Rowland Mays Architects, LLP

Proposed floor plan from Butler Rowland Mays Architects, LLP

2018 background:

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about this project, please email renewal@guilderlandlibrary.org

Updated 3.2.2024