| Albany Public Library e-Notes |
|
"Even great towers start at ground level."
-Ancient Chinese Proverb |
Piles of dirt and gravel. Muck and mud everywhere. Pipes sticking out of the ground. These are the humble beginnings of the John J. Bach Library.
After more than two years of planning, construction began last week at the New Scotland Avenue site of the 9,500-square-foot Albany Public Library branch that will serve the Woodlawn-New Scotland and Helderberg neighborhoods. Crews from American Auger & Ditching Co. have been on site drilling 17 wells into the ground for the geothermal heating and cooling system. Geothermal systems tap the constant temperature of the earth and circulate water between the building and in-ground pipes to provide efficient heating and cooling year-round. This "green building" system will help us cut our natural gas consumption and reduce energy costs.
While the Bach project is now underway, construction of the Arbor Hill/West Hill branch on Henry Johnson Boulevard is just about to begin. Crews from general contractor Sano-Rubin Construction are preparing the site that will house a 12,500-square-foot library in about 15 months.
We're excited to include our neighbors in the work for these two branches. Plans are being made for groundbreaking ceremonies to which the public, especially the people who live and work around the sites, will be invited. The John J. Bach and Arbor Hill/West Hill libraries are sure to be great resources for their communities. Stay tuned for more details about how you can participate in the groundbreaking events.
Cordially,
Stephanie Simon
Public Information Officer, Albany Public Library |
