Hoquiam library to get a major makeover

$1 million project paid for by grants, state money, local donors

By Dan Hammock • May 16, 2018 7:00 pm
DAN HAMMOCK | THE DAILY WORLD Work has already begun sprucing up the Hoquiam Library. In the foreground is the computer lab, which will be expanded to allow more room for indivuals to work and feature more electrical outlets. In the background in the red shirt is library manager Mary Thornton, rearranging the DVD section. On the left in the background is the reading fort in the juvenile nonfiction section, which is also being updated.
DAN HAMMOCK | THE DAILY WORLD Work has already begun sprucing up the Hoquiam Library. In the foreground is the computer lab, which will be expanded to allow more room for indivuals to work and feature more electrical outlets. In the background in the red shirt is library manager Mary Thornton, rearranging the DVD section. On the left in the background is the reading fort in the juvenile nonfiction section, which is also being updated.

About $1 million in state and local funding is going toward long-needed interior and exterior improvements to the Hoquiam Timberland Library, according to city administrator Brian Shay.

The project is a big one and includes repairing and/or replacing doors, upgrading hardware, tuck point masonry joints (tuck pointing is the process used to renew the external part of the joints between blocks), applying damp-proofing to protect masonry walls, installing new flooring, drywall and plaster repair, painting, replacing lighting fixtures, adding duplex receptacles (new double electrical outlets), installing new windows, insulation work and miscellaneous other work.

“This project is being funded by a $705,000 State Community Development Block Grant from the Department of Commerce, a $250,000 capital budget appropriation by the Legislature and approximately $40,000 in grants and donations from local organizations and individuals,” said Shay.

The request for bids for the project was sent out May 10, and bids will be accepted until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5.

Shay said all bidders were asked to provide a timeline for the project, and at this time it is unclear if the library or portions of it will have to be closed during the project.

“We hope to avoid that if possible or keep it to a minimum,” said Shay.