I get asked frequently if we are using local contractors on the Rifle and Parachute Branch Library projects. In hiring Adolfson and Peterson (A&P) as our General Contractors, we asked them to pay special attention to recruiting local subcontractors for both jobs. Here are the answers to a few of the questions I am fielding. We will add to this list as new questions come in.
-- Executive Director Amelia Shelley

Updated March 9, 2010

1. Are you using local contractors on your current library construction projects?

2. When will these projects be complete?

3. When are you starting the library in my town?

4. Where are the temporary locations for the libraries in Rifle and Parachute?

5. What's happened to the Roosevelt Window?

6. Where are you getting your money in this economy?

7. How can I participate in the process?

8. How much parking will be provided at the new libraries?

9. Where will the book drops be?

10. What happened to the trees and landscaping that were taken out?

Are you using local contractors on your current library construction projects? 
Yes, 75% of the subcontractors on our jobs in Rifle and Parachute are from the West Slope with over 50% from Garfield County.

When will these projects be complete? 
The new library in Rifle will open in November 2010 and the remodeled and expanded building in Parachute will open in early September.

When are you starting the library in my town? 
The Facilities Committee will be meeting at the end of March 2010 to review the list of projects for the District, reassess our financial position within the context of the changed economy, and develop a list of recommendations we will take to the full board in April.

Where are the temporary locations for the libraries in Rifle and Parachute?
In Rifle we are located on the corner of West and 3rd Streets and have the same hours that we had in our old location. The Parachute Branch Library has moved to a temporary location at 100 East 2nd Street in Parachute, next door to the Family Learning Center. Both locations have ample on-street parking.

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What's happened to the Roosevelt Window?
The stained glass window that graced the old Rifle Branch Library has been removed and is fully restored in preparation for being installed in the new Rifle Branch Library. The Roosevelt Window will be located on the second floor of the new library. Photos of the restoration can be viewed on the restoration company's Flickr stream. Heritage Windows, a local non-profit that owns the window, and the Garfield County Public Library Foundation are currently seeking donations to help support this effort.

Where are you getting your money in this economy?
The Library District received 1 mill of property tax for capital construction when we went to the voters in 2006. The property tax sunsets in 2017 and it is imperative that the District work quickly to leverage those funds to build facilities at today's dollars. The District sold Certificates of Participation in September 2009 to finance two of the first four projects; the other two will be paid for out of the District's reserves.

How can I participate in the process?
The Rifle and Parachute Branch Libraries will allow patrons to have a chance to react to furnishings with "sit tests" of possible library chairs in March and April.

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How much parking will be provided at the new libraries?
The Rifle Branch Library will share 155 spaces with the City of Rifle in its new parking structure. The parking lot will be free and open to the public and allow people a place to park while visiting other businesses downtown. The Parachute Branch Library will share parking with the Parachute Town Hall in a lot that is already complete.

Where will the book drops be?
At Parachute, there will be a new drive-up book drop on the north side of the building. Rifle will have an exterior walk-up drop off on East Avenue that can be turned into a drive-up if the street ever becomes one-way. There will also be internal drops at both locations.

What happened to the trees and landscaping that were taken out?
At both locations, a number of the exterior plantings were moved prior to demolition. Some were relocated to other sites, some retained to be replanted at the new libraries. A number of trees at both locations were sacrificed due to the high cost of relocating them and the high likelihood that they would not survive the move.  We are relocating three trees at Parachute next spring to accommodate the book drop drive. Both buildings will be fully landscaped using current xeric practices.

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