LIVERMORE FALLS — Two new parking spaces have been created in front of the library. One is for handicap parking and the other is to be used for short periods of time, Town Manager Kristal Flagg said. The spaces are expected to be paved in the future.
She updated selectmen on Oct. 7 on the gravel parking spaces and mold found in a downstairs room of the Treat Memorial Library.
People who were unable to climb the numerous stairs from the back parking lot up to the library used to park in front of the library on Main Street/Route 4. When the state Department of Transportation worked on Route 4 in 2011-12, those spots were eliminated and people had to park around back. It was then the town found out that the state had never allowed parking in front of the library, Flagg said a couple of years ago.
Installing an elevator was estimated to cost more than $80,000 and was found to be too costly. The town got approval to do a curb cut from Route 4 to put in a handicap parking space.
The Livermore Falls Library Association oversees the library, with some of the costs coming from a library trust fund, fundraisers and money raised by voters at town meeting.
Flagg also told selectmen that there is mold growing in the King’s Daughters Room, located downstairs at the library. She is working with association President Pat Allen on the matter.
The room is now off-limits to the public.
Flagg said she contacted a recommended professional to come look at the problem.
It is estimated to cost about $5,000 to get rid of the mold, including removing carpets and Sheetrock.
Everything in the room needs to be professionally cleaned, including meeting tables and any medical equipment stored there.
None of the equipment or appliances are ruined; they just need to be cleaned, she said.
The dollar figure does not factor in putting in new carpet or installing Sheetrock.
Part of the library trust is that the King’s Daughters always have a room at the library, she said.
The trustees will need to involve the banker who oversees the trust fund.
Right now, the insurance company is waiting to see if the damage is caused by groundwater or if it is caused by moisture, she said.
There is a dehumidifier hooked up to the plumbing in the room, but it is off. Flagg didn’t know why it wasn’t running.
dperry@sunjournal.com
Send questions/comments to the editors.
