The Leach Library Board of Trustees spent much of its April 2 meeting wrestling with a practical but unavoidable question: how to move forward with a major carpet replacement and painting project as the main library building continues to undergo repairs. While the work carries a significant price tag, Interim Library Director Donna Plante emphasized that the condition of the carpeting is directly tied to the building’s ability to reopen safely.
“In order to re-open the library, we do have to professionally clean the carpet,” Plante told the Board. “With a mold retest happening before we can reopen, there’s a chance the carpet will contribute to findings.” She noted that ReArch, the firm overseeing the broader building repairs, estimates the full carpet project could take as long as three months depending on the scope the Trustees choose.
To help the Board understand its options, Plante presented three cost estimates from ReArch. The Base Bid, ranging from $14,772 to $36,162, covers the floor areas identified by the library’s insurance adjuster as most essential. Alternate #1, priced between $48,856 and $53,814, expands the work to include the study rooms, Historical Room, staff offices, and the staff break room. Alternate #2, the most comprehensive option at $58,198 to $64,566, adds the Children’s Room and the children’s staff office.
The lower most options use carpet tile, which is easier to replace in small sections. The higher priced options use Powerbond, a more durable material that can be cleaned more thoroughly and is expected to last at least 30 years. Plante said the goal is to choose materials that will hold up over time and reduce the risk of future mold issues.
Trustee Moira Ryan raised a question about the staff break room, noting that mold remediation recommendations suggested avoiding carpet there altogether. “I did read in the recommendations for the mold that we don’t recarpet the staff break room, and that we instead put in hardwood flooring,” she said. “Why was that not considered as an option?”
Plante explained that while she is open to expanding tile or hard flooring in non-public areas, the broader recommendation to replace all carpeting with hardwood had been rejected earlier in the process. Hard flooring throughout the building would significantly increase noise levels and undermine the “cozy vibe” that staff and patrons value. “There was actually a recommendation to replace all carpeting with hardwood,” she said, “but that was dismissed because of sound concerns and the overall atmosphere we want to maintain.”
Board Chair Nancy Hendricks agreed. “I think it probably makes sense to go with the higher grade in the library area itself, and library offices and break rooms should consider going with carpet tile,” she said. “Hardwood is beautiful, but it is so noisy you just can’t stand it, and it’s expensive. I don’t see hardwood in our future.”
Treasurer Azra Palo suggested purchasing extra carpet squares to ensure the library has replacements on hand for future wear and tear. Several Trustees supported the idea, noting that having spare tiles could help extend the life of the flooring and reduce long term costs.
As the discussion continued, a general consensus emerged: use carpet tile in the Children’s Room, break rooms, and staff offices, while installing Powerbond in many of the public areas where durability and ease of cleaning are most important. The approach blends elements of the alternate proposals and gives the library flexibility in both cost and function.
One major question remains unresolved: how much of the project will be covered by insurance. “We do not have a solid number from the insurance yet,” Plante cautioned. “We don’t know if insurance is covering the full estimate yet. Just beware.” The uncertainty means the Town may need to cover a portion of the cost, depending on the final determination.
Despite the financial unknowns, the Trustees voted to bring their recommendation and the full set of carpet estimates to the Town Council for review. The project is considered a necessary step toward re-opening the library, which has been closed for months.