By Kathy Cook Hunter
The Silver Falls Library presents a bright ’n’ shiny image these days in its exterior paint in a soft shade of gray accented with dark blue. Gone is the monochromatic beige and darker beige trim of the synthetic stucco siding that greeted library patrons since the building was finished nearly 12 years ago. And more change is ahead.
Maintenance and repairs had become a necessity, said Head Librarian Marlys Swaboski.
In 2007, there were 85,831 visitors to the library. The library serves a population of about 20,000. So many people have entered the library doors that the low pile carpeting is becoming worn and even ripped near one computer station, and there are stubborn soil spots that defy removal.
“It’s time the carpet was replaced,” Swaboski said. “The (library board) is looking at replacing it in sections to make it more affordable. We realize we must break it down and do it gradually so we can fit it into our budget.”
Carpet squares will work best, she said, since they are more easily inserted around the permanently placed, bolted-down bookshelves. Although acquisition of carpet is still in the planning stage, Swaboski revealed she and her fellow board members want more color this time, probably a shade of blue, that will work with colorful book spines and the red end caps of the shelves.
This summer Silver Falls Library’s exterior insulation and finish system, or EIFS, was removed and replaced over several months.
“In 2003 one of our new board members noticed the EIFS siding was failing,” Swaboski said. “Moisture could get in and be trapped.”
After researching the problem, the board learned moisture incursion was a problem across the country and particularly in moist climates. Although an EIFS-covered building can be reclad, the decision was made to replace it. “We found no one was willing to repair it, quite frankly,” she said.
The building’s owner, the city of Silverton, managed the project that took five years from start to finish. The city considerations were the original contractor was no longer in business; the pros and cons of recovering or replacing; possible ways of repairing; and the need to budget for replacement.
Finally, after the city put the job out to bid three times before getting a bid within its budgeted amount, the project went ahead.
The building was covered in siding similar to Hardiplank, said City Manager Bryan Cosgrove, at a cost of about $176,000. Insurance coverage was not involved.
One main area, a beam under the soffit near the library entrance, was found to be rotting, caused by water getting in at a roof junction, and according to Cosgrove, some dry rot was found in boards near the ground. A Dallas firm took on the project in June and finished in September.
“We felt fortunate that action was taken to prevent major damage,” Swaboski said. “The city took care of the roof issue, and we’re feeling really good about the work they did on this.”
The library board chose the new exterior colors by matching cinder blocks at the rear of the building with the gray and going with a strong accent on the windows and fascia boards.
“This has a little bit of ‘pop’ to it,” Swaboski said. “The board wanted more contrast, something lively and inviting.”
While the carpet is replaced in the library lobby, the building will need to close temporarily. Swaboski said there might be a celebration when the library is open again.
