Dear Patrons, Supporters and Friends,
Can you imagine a worse place for a water leak than a library full of books and an art gallery full of photos and paintings? For several years the Richards Free Library and the Library Arts Center have been battling leaks with repeated repairs that didn’t solve the long term problems.
On February 9th the Board of Trustees of the RFL met to review bids and chose to work with GDC Slate and Copper, a roofing company with experience and great references for working on historic buildings. Their inspection prior to bidding was done comprehensively with drone technology and showed 37 areas needing work on the Library and the Arts Center. They will make repairs to slate, to copper roofing, to rubber roofing, to flashing, to chimney and to wood work. Please feel free to view some pictures of the issues (Courtesy of GDC Slate and Copper 2/3/23).
Slate maintenance ½ of mortar joints Failed main seam & Open wall at EPDM seam failure missing perimeter seams transition of dormer
The comprehensive bid to make all repairs is $216,000. The Library’s Memorial Fund that was left by the Rollins family for maintenance of the RFL will cover $21,600 and GDC has awarded a $5,000 grant for this historic building project.
In recognition of the value of the Library and Library Arts Center to the Newport Community, the Newport Board of Selectmen agreed to include in the town budget a separate warrant article for $189,400 so that the roofs of our buildings can be completely repaired and their precious contents protected.
The Richards Free Library and Library Arts Center are asking for your support! Deliberative Session: April 4 6pm Newport Middle High School. At this session the warrant article could be amended. Town Meeting: May 9 8-7 Newport Middle High School. Please Vote Yes.
