Major repairs will be made to the parking lot of the Schricker Main Library in Knox sometime in the next two weeks, weather permitting. Library officials advise every effort will be made to minimize inconvenience to patrons while the work is being done and stay open as much as possible. A bulldozer, two dump trucks and other equipment will be parked at the library during the project. It’s been in the planning stages for several months but was delayed due to rain.
Library director Rose Frost says fines will be forgiven during the repair process in case people can’t park to return materials.
The library board accepted a quote from Super Seal, Incorporated, of Warsaw to do the work at the Knox and Koontz Lake branches. The Knox project includes repair to the worst areas, creation of some spaces at the back of the building, application of hot rubber sealant and coal tar sealer where needed and restriping of the lot.
Frost says the Department of Local Government Finance approved an additional $50,000 for the 2015 library budget. Money will also be used to replace windows and add gutters to the San Pierre branch. The building will also be painted, air ducts will be cleaned, carpets shampooed and some work will be done to prevent leaking in the basement.
The Hamlet branch will get a new roof, some minor landscaping and a new bench. The Koontz Lake branch will also get two new benches and a new parking lot. Remaining funds will be used to upgrade the library’s servers and buy new computers.
