Dear Patrons and Friends of the Richards Free Library and Library Arts Center,
Our worst fears have come true: the roof leaked over the bookshelves in the Ruger Stack Room and $1200 worth of books were lost. We now have a tarp protecting the stacks of books.
Thankfully, there is hope. In one week, on May 9th, we will vote at Newport’s Town Meeting on Article 13 for $189,400 for comprehensive repair of the roof for the main Library building, the stack area, and the Library Arts Center. This seems like a lot of money so you may want more details of the 37 issues to be addressed as you talk with your family and friends and decide whether to support the project.
The cost estimates are:
- Slate maintenance: bringing the roof back to a standard for proper insurance compliance $78,000.
- Copper roof work: to standard of insurance compliance. $ 68,000
- EPDM rubber roof repairs: repairs $ 42,000.
- Masonry Chimney restoration requirements: $18,000.
- Carpentry exterior rot/ millwork: $10,000.
- Total $216,000 with $21,000 from the Library’s Rollins Maintenance Fund, a $5000 historical repair grant and Article 13 support of $189,400.
Newport is fortunate that the Rollins Family left a fund for maintenance of the library building, which does pay for many repairs including the recent replacement of the front sill and porch repairs, and the plaster repair and painting in the children and youth areas earlier this year. However, this account has its limits, and the roof repairs cannot wait, so please Vote Yes on Article 13 at the Town Meeting on May 9th.
You can view the comprehensive report from GDC Slate and Copper showing the 37 issues that need attention with pictures to back them up on our website. Here is a summary list with most categories having multiple locations with issues:
- Slate repair and maintenance
- EPDM (rubber roof) leaks and failure where joined to other roofing materials
- Chimney needs complete repointing and chimney cover has failed
- Flashing failure and open to the weather at chimney, at dormer, at rubber roof
- Slate valley needs restoration and improper sealants used in previous valley repairs
- Copper roof failure due to age
- Copper roofs in need of service, dormer flashing lines failing, ice belt to copper roof transition improper. Repair work to right hand dormer slate work at apron and sides defective
- Improper transition dormer to slate. Dormer flashing walls are compromised.
- General maintenance: slate, masonry, flashing, EPDM rubber flat roof low slope single ply membrane
- Historical restoration exterior millwork
- Siding damage and exterior restoration work required.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please reach out if you have any questions or if I can clarify anything for you. We appreciate your support and your vote!
Justine FafaraLibrary Director
jfafara@newport.lib.nh.us
