Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • December 8, 2010 Ramsey The renovations at the Ramsey Public Library on Wyckoff Avenue are still in progress, and Library Director Wendy Bloom urges patrons to continue to be patient and look forward to the opening of the renovated building in 2011. Last week, Bloom said that heat and power have been restored to the Wyckoff Avenue building, where crews continue to work on painting, plumbing fixtures, set- Renovated library expected to open in 2001 ting up the data room, ceiling work, and shelving books. “It’s getting there,” Bloom said. She added that the construction fence on the property has been moved to allow parking lot access as the site work begins. Outdoor projects include lights and landscaping. In 2009, the Ramsey Council awarded the library renovation contract to Aark Contractors, Inc. of Spring Valley, New York. The contract, which was awarded in the amount of $2,548,900, 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 project is being funded by a $4,250,000 bond ordinance. The library building, which is approximately four decades old, will remain a 14,000 square foot structure, but the interior space is being reconfigured to enhance efficiency in terms of energy consumption and use of space. The project includes the replacement of all the building’s windows and doors, the replacement of the heating and air conditioning system with equipment that will save energy and space, ADAcompliant restrooms, redesigned areas for patrons of all ages, space for wireless computing, and the reconfiguration of the library entrances. 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 updated program room will open directly into the children’s area for easy access to story times and crafts. The library moved into its temporary location at 171 Lake Street in September 2009. In the temporary location, library personnel are able to provide computers and some books and media for patrons of all ages. Most of Ramsey’s collection is in storage, but library staffers are borrowing 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. The libraries in Allendale, Franklin Lakes, Mahwah, Upper Saddle River, and Wyckoff are supporting Ramsey during the renovation. Over the summer, various local agencies reached out to offer additional sites for the library’s programs. The Masonic Lodge on Franklin Turnpike and the Ramsey Rescue Community Center on South Island Road helped the library host shows, while story times were offered at the Ramsey Municipal Pool and at the Ramsey Golf and Country Club’s pool. The Ramsey Hockey Association has a limited number of tickets to the New Jersey Devils vs. Florida Panthers game at Prudential Center on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011 at 3 p.m. On the program that day will be a special appearance by Ramsey’s Association hosts Devils fundraiser Mites on Ice during the first intermission. Tickets are $39 (regularly $56.) Proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit the association. For more information, call Steve at (201) 394-3731 or e-mail sdiamond@ramseyhockey.com. Senator Kevin O’Toole and NJ Cares need your help in collecting 1,000 coats for the needy. Bring to the Drop Off Box at your local Town Hall by December 15th, or contact Senator O’Toole: Tel: 973-237-1360 Email: senotoole@njleg.org