NAHANT — The Nahant Public Library is gearing up to repair the structure of the building in order to fix damage from water infiltration, with $700,000 being used for the project.
Library Director Nori Morganstein explained that the funding for the project came from a grant from the Community Preservation Committee — which gave the library $500,000 — as well as Town Meeting in May, where the Town approved another $200,000 be allotted to the work.
The building was opened June 1, 1895, and it was the first electrified building in Nahant.
Morganstein said that the project aims to fix the water damage that the building has retained over time. The ultimate goal is to weatherproof the building through structural upgrades.
She said the walls and the ceiling of the computer room have suffered from water damage over time. Currently, the back section of the room is sectioned off to patrons, since the building has problems with moisture coming in through the roof and walls.
“We have several spots around the building where you can really see the damage that the moisture has caused over the years, so Marmelo Brothers — the construction company contracted for the project — will be working on the structural aspects around the outside of the building… Then, they will also be coming into our basement to work on a few things,” Morganstein said.
Previously, the library has had to paint over sections of the computer room where damage was most prevalent. With the project, Morganstein said the library will be able to get to the root of what’s causing the issue and fix it.
Morganstein is also hopeful that the library will have some electrical work done. She noted that, currently, the building operates on a 200-AMP electrical system. She said the building should be running on an 800-AMP system.
“The library really needs the upgrades… I want this room to look how it’s supposed to look, not with the walls crumbling down,” Morganstein said.
Reference and Adult Services Librarian Carolyn Ziering shared that sentiment.
“I think it’ll be great to have the exterior of the building sealed and moisture-proof… It’s a huge amount of money and we’re very grateful,” she said.
Morganstein noted the contract for work runs over 100 days, and that she’s hopeful the scope of work will be completed within that timeframe.
