Category: Building-Facilities

Paving …. ????

The Department of Public Works has contacted the National Grid and their contractor about the (lack of) paving of Middlesex Ave from Lowell to Deering.  We will update employees and the public as soon as we know something.  Thank you for your patience.

Downstairs Storage

Dina very diligently cleared out the storage closet on the Ground Floor. As of right now, the following departments have their sections clearly labeled:

  • FRPL
  • Food Pantry
  • Local History
  • Borrower Services/Display
  • Teen
  • Children’s
  • OESJ

If you are adding to the Storage Closet (there’s still space!), please clearly label your section and do not block bookshelves that have someone else’s supplies on them.

As a gentle reminder, the Storage Closet is a place to store usable items; if something is broken or needs to be thrown out, there should be a timeline or plan in place before storing it downstairs. Teen and Children’s use the room regularly to grab things, so keeping it clear of trash and large items is helpful for all of us.

Newspaper Box by Printers

With the arrival of the new Library of Things storage, a few of us noticed that the newspaper and magazine bins for patrons were blocking easy access for people who use wheels to move around the library. We have moved one of the boxes in between the shelves for holds and turned the other one around so it doesn’t stick out so much. Please do not move the one between the shelves back!

Indoor Plant Care

Starting April 9, the large indoor planters will be receiving some TLC from Environgreenery.  In addition to sprucing up these planters (2 entry, 2 Borrower Services, 3 Reading Room, 1 Children’s Room), Envirogreenery will be in monthly to maintain the plants.

If you receive questions: We are excited to work with this company (Envirogreenery) to maintain our indoor plantings. These plants help the indoor air quality and are great for mental health. Additionally, we are fortunate to have some interesting specimens to help inspire visitors to add to their own indoor gardens.

Maintenance costs are paid through gifts and donations. No taxpayer funds are used.

Opening/Closing Note

Facilities—via our custodians—manage the building’s opening M-F, and are responsible for closing and setting the alarm any day we are open. Like any other team or department, Facilities and the custodians have last-minute staffing emergencies. Therefore, sub or fill-in custodians sometimes have to cover multiple buildings and may not be onsite at opening/closing.

OPENING: If you arrive before 8:00 a.m. M-F, please double check that a custodian has opened the building and use the main entrance if the building seems empty. You may need to turn off the alarm!

CLOSING: If there is no custodian on site at closing, do your best to ensure the building is empty and then leave. The building automatically locks. A custodian is responsible for closing and making sure the building is secure.