Why we need a renovation, Part 3

     The OCRA meeting will be held this Monday, February 10th at 6:30 in the auditorium of the Peru Public Library. We need you there.
     The heating system that we have currently, is a boiler. When it produces the steam that goes through the pipes onto the different floors; sometimes the radiators leak. Because of this, the carpets and flooring has been water damaged. There is also, quite often, an antifreeze smell. We've had a lot of complaints from our patrons about the smell. The staff has to endure it for their shifts, and we usually go home with headaches.
     As I mentioned on an earlier post, the heating is inadequate, some floors are hot, while others are chilly. And the noise created by the steam going through the pipes can be so loud, it's like someone is banging a sledge hammer against the pipes. When we get the renovation done, we'll have a different heating system. The noise, smell and uneven heating will be gone.
     There are times when the air on the different floors, especially in the computer lab is, well, wiffy. Between the smell of the radiator heat, the various perfumes, after shave lotions, body odors (people come in from work a little sweaty), cigarette smoke on people's clothes, and the exhaust that comes in from the parking lot, it can be rather pungent at times.
     We have no way of having fresh air brought into the building. It is unhealthy for the staff and is unacceptable under current building codes.
     We have old window style A/C units scattered around the building. If you've ever visited on a really hot day, you know they don't provide the comfort that is needed. During the Summer READing programs, we have a lot of people emitting body heat, trust me, the A/C isn't adequate.
     Our roof is old and with problems. There is a large gap between the separate buildings that make up the library.
     The wiring needs to be updated. It cannot carry the load of computers, and general usage. We have to be careful of what and where things are plugged in. The wiring is really old.
     The overall appearance of the library is generally unattractive, uncomfortable and uninviting place to visit and work.
     We want to provide better equipped meeting rooms, comfortable place to sit and read, study, or use the computers.
     This building is more than 100 years old. There have been very few improvements on it.  We are overdue on those improvement.
     We want a healthier environment for our staff and patrons.
     We need you to show up for the meeting that will be held in the library's auditorium. The more people that show up will help to convince the need and support of our patrons and community.
     There are many organizations that are wanting this same grant, we need your presence in order to get it.
     Please show your support for your library by coming to this very important meeting. Bring your spouse, children, neighbor, and friends.