By Max Bowen-max.bowen@northstarreporter.com
Big changes are happening outside the Richards Memorial Library.
According to Library Director Debbie Clifton, landscaping work is being done by the town’s Parks and Recreation Department. It began on Aug. 23 and should be finished by mid-September. She and Parks and Recreation Director Steve Carvalho worked on the plan for the library.
The improvements include brush removal, hydroseeding, new planting on both sides of the entrance, edging out of beds, spreading of river stone, installation of lighting and a new library sign.
So far, the old posts and chains have been removed due to safety concerns and the front bushes were removed because of thorns.
“The lighting will not only highlight the building’s historic architecture, but it will provide additional safety,” said Clifton. “The removal of thorny bushes and posts and chains also provides for greater safety. The landscaping will be less cluttered and will provide more outdoor space for patrons.”
Clifton said that the local mail carrier has already thanked the library for the work, because he would get scratched by the thorns on a regular basis whenever he moved over to allow someone to walk past him.
“Our goal is to create a more welcoming landscape with a nicer lawn area, new shrubs without thorns, river rock in the planting beds, and eventually have uplighting installed to highlight the beautiful, historic building,” Clifton added. “Once the work is complete, I think it will be lovely.”
In addition to the exterior work, library staff have been making continued improvements inside the building. Some of these include new public computer desks and chairs, new seating in the Reading Room, new public service desks in Adult Services and Children’s Services departments and most recently, new public restroom stall dividers.
“More improvements to come,” said Clifton.