Ramsey September 23, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 3 Spring Valley firm receives contract for library project Aark Contractors, Inc. of Spring Valley, New York has received the contract for the Ramsey Library renovation project. The council made the award at a special session held last week. Following a review of the 15 bids submitted last month, Aark Contractors was determined to be the lowest responsible bidder. The contract has been awarded in the amount of $2,548,900, which includes the base bid and multiple alternates. The 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 project will be funded by a $4,250,000 bond ordinance. “We’re delighted that work will soon start on this longawaited improvement that will benefit our entire community,” Ramsey Library Director Wendy Bloom said of the renovations. The 40-year-old library building will remain a 14,000 square foot structure, but the interior space will be reconfigured 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 heading and air conditioning system will be replaced with equipment intended to save energy and space. The project includes 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, while 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 project will take approximately 10 months to complete. Library officials plan to be back in the renovated space in time to launch the 2010 Summer Reading Club. In anticipation of the construction, library staff members recently closed the library building and moved into temporary quarters at the Pavilion building at 171 Lake Street, near Route 17. The operation opened to the public on Sept. 14. The temporary space will allow library personnel to provide computers and some books and media for patrons of all ages. Most of Ramsey’s collection will be in storage, but library staffers will be 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 have all agreed to support Ramsey during the renovation project. Borough launches Shred-it Day Ramsey Mayor Christopher Botta recently announced the launch of a borough-based Shred-it Day. This event will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, at the southbound train parking lot in front of the Ramsey Department of Public Works complex. Hours will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the program will be offered either rain or shine. “This is a response to serious problem,” said Ramsey Recycling Coordinator Harry Smith. “Identity theft continues to flourish, and we are giving our residents the opportunity to shred their important correspondence and documents.” Smith assures those participating that they can watch their documents being shredded, but cautions that there is a three box maximum, and all items must be paper only. The one day program is limited to Ramsey residents only. For additional information, contact Smith at (201) 8253400, extension 229 or e-mail him at hsmith@ramseynj. com. American Window Factory Windows to Fit Any Budget! Go Green with Energy Star Windows! Don’t Miss Out on Your $1500 Tax Credit! Experience 30+ Years For a FREE Home Demo, Call 1(877) 778-0878 (201) 815-7999 Over 100,000 Windows Installed Art Show at our Saddle River Gallery September 26 • 9am - 4pm Featuring Local Artists ���������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������� ��������������� � ������������������������������� � ������������ � ������������������� ��������������������������������� ������������ ������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������