ROCKLAND — Thanks to a very generous contribution by the Rockland Public Library Endowment Association R-PLEA)*, coupled with the use of Library Reserve funds,** the glass section, which connects the original library building to the addition added in 2000, is being repaired.

Almost from the time it was installed, there have been water intrusion issues with this visually pleasing, daylighting architectural element, according to RPL, in a news release. With a likely start date of mid-April, every single pane of glass will be removed, and replaced new, more energy-efficient glass. The tracks will be cleaned, the new glass installed, and retaining caps with new gaskets reinstalled. The entire system will then be sealed.

“Please be aware this will result in a significant impact on the use of the Library,” said RPL. “The first stage will entail considerable staging in the parking lot area—big cranes are needed. Most impactful on the public, is that there will be a period of around one and a half to two weeks, where the Library will need to be closed to library users.”

The exact start date for the project is currently unknown. As soon as it is available, the Library will broadcast that information, through as many outlets as are available.

*R-PLEA’s contribution of 2/3 of the cost was assisted by an extremely generous bequest by the late Louise Knowlton to the Endowment Association. 

**Library Reserve Funds consist primarily of the bequests left to the Library from the estates of Elizabeth Tyrell, Elizabeth Bartlett, Vera Hill, and Edward Coffin.