SWAMPSCOTT — Construction on the planned upgrades to the entrance of the Swampscott Public Library began Wednesday morning. The Town originally allocated $800,000 for it as a capital expense, according to Library Director Jonathan Nichols.
Facilities Director Max Kasper explained that MJS Construction, the company contracted to do the work, began on Wednesday by demolishing the existing walls and masonry of the current rampway by the building’s entrance.
He continued, saying that the planned upgrades will include a new handicapped ramp, stairway, patio, vestibule, drainage system, and windows. The ultimate goal is to maximize accessibility for residents.
Kasper noted that the front doors will remain closed while construction is underway.
“We also put in a temporary handicap ramp in the rear of the building, so there’s an accessible entrance during construction that people can use,” he said.
Nichols said, “The plan was that they’re going to start construction out front until the weather stops us. Once that happens, the stairway will be reactivated out here in the front… But it’s a small-time pay for a long-time gain.”
Kasper also said that the project will likely be completed sometime this winter, though it depends on how much progress is made before the weather temporarily halts the process.
The library also aims to improve the structure of the building. Nichols previously explained that water infiltration problems have occurred in the children’s room, which is in the basement of the building.
“There’s another project that we’re looking at for the library,” Kasper said. “We haven’t contracted it yet, and there’s been no money appropriated for it yet, but we’re looking to also activate the side entrance to the children’s room.”
The side entrance is technically a functional door, but it leads directly to a steep incline — without a rail or steps — that makes traversing it tricky. Kasper said an architect has drawn designs for a potential ramp and stairway to be constructed, which would allow people to exit the building from the basement. He added that the work on the side entrance would be a separate endeavor.
“I think people are really excited about the start of the project and also the side entrance, but that’s not a part of this project,” Nichols said. “We submitted a grant to help with the cost, but we haven’t heard back if we received it or not.”
