Construction on the library has benefited from the extended good weather through most of December. Today’s heavy snowfall was the first day that welders, due to the mix of electrical arcs and water, and most of the construction workers, due to safety issues, had to take a break.

Steel columns are in place for both rotundas and most of the roof joists are set which now provide us with a clearer view of what the building will look like. Concrete has been set on the second level, work on plumbing and heating lines continues, and electrical floor boxes are in place. The north stairs are in which will allow access to staff offices and work room.

So far, my favorite part of the building is the ceilings in the children’s/youth area on the west side. Because the west side of the building is one-story, it allowed the architect to vary the ceiling heights. The children’s area opens in to an elevated arched ceiling with clerestory windows that lead in to the even further elevated corner rotunda. The play of height and incoming natural light will make this a very inviting area.