(KP File Photo)
Remodeling is in full swing at the Ford City Library. The building received a grant to update its entrances and restrooms to make it ADA-compliant.
Librarian Helen Taylor updated Ford City Council at their public work session last night with the progress of the work.
“The back door is in and ready. There is a ramp, but no railing. The way the ramp hits the parking lot will need adjustment because it is crooked because of the parking lot.”
She said the contractor is expanding the restroom to make it easier for those with physical limitations.
“The walls are up, the floor is in, it’s painted. So hopefully we can get the fixtures in and have the bathrooms done by the end of the week.”
The contractor will also be extending the front door entryway.
“The doors were too close together. They should be starting (installation of a new entrance) with that sometime this week, although I’m not sure how long that will take.”
Taylor told Council that the contractor was not aware of installing buttons that automatically open the doors that would aid those patrons with walkers or wheelchairs. Council President Carol Fenyes said Borough Engineers Gibson-Thomas would be made aware of the issue and she would get clarification if the grant contained such devices.
“We are open and completely accessible,” Taylor said. “We may have to start using the back door while they work on the front doors. But we are open and doing everything we are normally doing.”
JT Masonry is the contractor doing the work.
“I’m very happy with the quality of the work the contractor is doing so far,” Taylor added.
Taylor was also elated to report to Council that over 2,000 persons are card-carrying patrons of the Library, which is approximately 70% of the population of Ford City.