Ramsey December 23, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 7 Ramsey Library Director Wendy Bloom reports that the renovations at the borough’s library building on Wyckoff Avenue are on target, and described the circulation at the facility’s temporary Lake Street location as healthy. “Over 13,000 items circulated during the month of November,” Bloom reported, noting that, while the figure represents a decrease, the temporary location has fewer items to circulate. The director also pointed out that the library continues to hold story hours, and has been using off-site facilities to keep its programs going strong. Bloom also reported that the interior demolition work has been completed at the library, which is undergoing a major renovation funded by a $4,250,000 bond ordinance. Aark Contractors, Inc. of Spring Valley, New York received the contract for the renovation project in the amount of $2,548,900, which includes the base bid and multiple alternates. Alternates include exterior paint, a fire pump, a hand dryer, an electrical service update, a soffit lighting update for the eaves on the exterior of the building, and repaving of the part of the parking lot that will be impacted by the construction. The 40-year-old library building will remain a 14,000 square foot structure, but the interior space is being recon- Library renovations on target; circulation ‘healthy’ figured to enhance efficiency in terms of both use of the space and energy consumption. Plans call for the replacement of all the building’s windows and doors. The heating and air conditioning system will be replaced with equipment intended to save energy and space. Once renovated, the library will have redesigned areas for children and teens, comfortable reading spaces for adults, and room for wireless computing. Both library entrances will be reconfigured to meet at a central circulation desk, and the information service desk will be near the main entrance to provide ready access to a librarian. New popular books and media will fill the open atrium of the library, and the book stacks will be located along the sides of the building. A glass enclosed reading room will highlight the Wyckoff Avenue view. The program room will be updated, opening directly into the children’s area for easy access to story times and crafts. Restrooms will be expanded to meet all ADA requirements. The 10-month project should be completed in the summer of 2010. In September, the library’s temporary location opened to the public at the Pavilion building at 171 Lake Street, near Route 17. This temporary space allows library per- sonnel to provide computers and some books and media for patrons. Most of Ramsey’s collection is in storage, but library staffers are able to borrow items for patrons from other BCCLS libraries. Patrons must have their library cards with them when visiting other BCCLS libraries, or they will not be able to borrow items. Neighboring libraries in Allendale, Franklin Lakes, Mahwah, Upper Saddle River, and Wyckoff are supporting Ramsey during the renovation. We Now Carry Available in Mahwah store only ��� The Ramsey Public Schools will offer borough residents a preschool program for the 2010-11 school year. The program, to be housed at Tisdale School, will run from 8:50 to 11:20 a.m. and 12:20 to 2:50 p.m. Monday through Friday in accordance with the Ramsey school calendar. Students attend either the morning or afternoon session five days a week. To be eligible, a general education child must be four Public Schools offer preschool program years of age on or before Oct. 1, 2010. A birth certificate, copy of immunizations, and proof of residency will be required of those students admitted to the program. Students will be screened for admission to the program. The annual tuition for the program will be $2,650. Applications for general education preschoolers may be picked up at Tisdale and Hubbard Elementary Schools beginning Jan. 4, 2010. ���������������������������� Coupons not accepted for Ugg purchases ������ ���� ��������������� ����������������� ������������ �������������� ������������������ ����������������� ����������������� ������������ ���������������������