Construction FAQ
Libraries Believe in Keeping It Local
In 2006 the voters of Garfield County generously passed a measure to allow a 1 mill property tax to build or remodel all the libraries in the county. The library board has taken this directive seriously, and has pushed hard to get all six libraries built quickly so that each town can enjoy a wonderful new facility. In 2010 the remodel and expansion of the Parachute Branch Library was completed, and the all new Rifle Branch Library was also opened. Currently, the New Castle Branch is under construction, with the Silt Branch in the design development phase. The libraries in Glenwood Springs and Carbondale are not too far behind as they are slated to be finished by 2013.
This aggressive building schedule has allowed the library district to get the most for taxpayer dollars by capitalizing on low building costs. It has also been a boon for local economies. These building projects are some of the few currently happening in our towns. The libraries feel fortunate to have the support of the taxpayers, and believe that by hiring locally we can give back to our communities, especially in this slow economy. On the Parachute and Rifle projects 75% of the subcontractors were from the Western Slope, and with the New Castle project we are doing even better. A4 Architects of Carbondale designed the building remodel and the project’s general contractor, B&H General Contractors, is from Glenwood Springs. We expect all of our construction partners to hire local subcontractors on our projects if they have the skills and references to perform the work.
The Garfield County Libraries have been as transparent as possible about our process with the “Construction” page on our homepage. This allows anyone wanting to bid on our projects the opportunity to get information about them instantly. The page also has pictures and a blog so everyone in the community can see the progress. Or, you can contact the District’s Facilities Manager, Jerry Morris, at 625-4270 or jmorris@gcpld.org for information on projects and their status. We hope you visit our site often and see what we’ve got going on throughout the county!
-- Public Relations Emily Hisel
Construction FAQ
I get asked frequently if we are using local contractors on library construction projects. 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 September 30, 2011
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 is the temporary location for the library in New Castle?
5. Where are you getting your money in this economy?
6. How can I participate in the process?
Are you using local contractors on your current library construction projects?
Yes, 75% of the subcontractors on our jobs in Rifle and Parachute were from the West Slope with over 50% from Garfield County. Currently, our New Castle remodel is using a local contractor and architect. We expect all of our construction partners to hire local subcontractors on our projects if they have the skills and references to perform the work.
When will these projects be complete?
The New Castle Branch Library remodel project will open in early 2012. Silt will be complete in the fall of 2012, and Glenwood Springs and Carbondale will be completed by the end of 2013.
When are you starting the library in my town?
Recently we hired FCI and OZ Architecture to build the Silt Branch Library. That project is currently in design development and should break ground next spring. We have purchased property at the corner of Sopris Avenue and Third Street in Carbondale and currently are in the process of hiring an architect for that project. We are also working with the City of Glenwood Springs, Colorado Mountain College and the Glenwood Springs Downtown Development Authority to develop a library with a plaza in downtown Glenwood Springs that could include a second floor belonging to CMC and adjacent parking.
Where is the temporary location for the library in New Castle?
In New Castle, the temporary library is located in the City Market shopping plaza and has the same hours that we had in our old location. Click here for a Google map.
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 2027 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, and again in October of 2010, to finance four of the library projects; the other two will be paid for out of the District's reserves.
How can I participate in the process?
Community meetings to gather citizen input will be held in each community as the projects progress. When we schedule community meetings, we'll post the information in the Featured News section of our home page and on our calendar. Community input open houses are scheduled for November 8, November 17, and January 12 for the new Carbondale library; click here to learn more.