jtalarico, May 9, 2013

RED Day at the Branch RED Day (Renew, Energize and Donate) is an initiative dedicated to celebrating Keller Williams Realty’s year-round commitment to improving our local communities. Keller Williams staff spent the day painting and cleaning the basement level of the South Side Branch. They also helped with moving the books back upstairs following the Branch’s recent renovation.

jtalarico, March 28, 2013

Happy ending to the story!Pictured L to R – Bethlehem Area Public Library trustees, Tom Nolan and Olga Negron, BAPL Executive Director Janet Fricker, architect Robert Furst (standing) and State Representative Steve Samuelson  – were on hand to celebrate the reopening of the new-look South Side Branch.

jtalarico, March 26, 2013

New-look Library makes debutToday, Tuesday March 26th – just three months after closing the South Side Branch of the Bethlehem Area Public Library to make much needed repairs, structural and technical updates, and add a new vibe to the venerable building – we reopened to the public. We invite everyone in our service area, to come enjoy this welcome change to a great neighborhood library.

jtalarico, March 19, 2013

The furniture has landed!After many weeks of extensive renovation to the South Side Branch of the Bethlehem Area Public Library, new cabinetry, desks, workstations, restored wood shelving and other fixed furnishings have been installed according to design specifications. A mixture of updated traditional, and colorful contemporary furniture has been put in place and made ready for use. All has dramatically altered the Branch as we knew it, into a bright, modern and welcoming destination.

jtalarico, March 12, 2013

Roll out the red carpetFresh coats of paint have been added to the walls, refinished original oak shelving is in the process of being reinstalled, and new carpeting is taking shape throughout the main floor of the South Side Branch. As the week progresses, new furniture and cabinetry will be delivered and installed. Things are moving along nicely, and we are on schedule for the March 26 reopening of the Branch. Mark your calendars!

jtalarico, February 22, 2013

Modern RetroThis close-up photo illustrates that the retro ceiling light fixture puts a modern design-spin on art deco –  fitting into the historical building ambience while providing low-cost efficient light.

jtalarico, February 22, 2013

Lights, camera...Lights, camera and plenty of action is happening at the South Side Branch. Once the plaster repairs and new paint were applied to the original ceiling, beautiful new lighting fixtures were installed.

jtalarico, February 22, 2013

Rolling AlongThe renovation work keeps rolling along at the South Side Branch of Bethlehem Area Public Library! The classic wood bookcases have been removed for refinishing, the ceiling repaired and painted, new HVAC venting and new light fixtures have been installed in the ceiling. Work continues.

jtalarico, February 7, 2013

Going Down UnderIt isn't often that we think of the infrastructure of a building we visit or work in, but as renovation of the Branch moves forward,  so do big changes below street level. A highway of new electrical conduit and wiring, that will eventually carry current from upgraded circuit boxes to every point in the building, is seen in this photograph.

jtalarico, February 7, 2013

Making ConnectionsCarefully following the architect's blueprints, our electricians custom fit electrical conduit and work to connect newly installed main boxes with the many lines going out to every part of the building.

jtalarico, January 31, 2013

One man's ceiling...During the third week of our South Side Branch renovation process, a painter scrapes and carefully prepares the ceiling for painting while electricians measure, remeasure and mark the floor to receive electrical wiring and outlets. The tan T-shaped strip on the ceiling is where the old HVAC ductwork was located and removed, now revealing decades old paint.

jtalarico, January 17, 2013

The Architect's VisionIn the empty main floor of  Bethlehem Area Public Library's South Side Branch, Architect Robert Furst outlines initial construction plans to BAPL's Development Director & Public Relations Manager, Liza Holzinger. In an upcoming project update, we will post a short video with Mr. Furst detailing some of the work that will transform the historic 1930's building into a comfortable, cutting-edge library center.

jtalarico, January 15, 2013

Out with the oldFrom the top down...   Workers remove old lighting fixtures from the plaster ceiling of the South Side Branch. The beautiful original ceiling will be preserved, repaired and repainted. When the renovation is complete, new wiring, lower profile modern HVAC ductwork and energy efficient, attractive lighting will be installed in this architectural gem.

jtalarico, January 8, 2013

Moving materials into storage Our South Side Branch renovation – Phase 2 of our Room to Grow project – is now under way! Bookmark this page to follow our project progress "diary", including weekly updates, pictures and video.