News

Department of Libraries Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Barre, Vermont—The Vermont Department of Libraries held a ribbon cutting at the ABLE Library on Friday, October 19, 2018 for their new office space.

The project, a renovation of the former Spaulding School (which also houses the Vermont History Center), into offices and work space for the Vermont Public Library, was planned, designed and constructed by Bread Loaf Corporation. The project was completed on schedule and under budget, resulting in additional funds for the client, which helped them to purchase furnishings and undertake some additional exterior work on the building.

Project challenges included structural reinforcing on the existing building to carry the additional loads of book stacks and library storage. This work was completed around the Vermont History Center archive space, which are full of historical artifacts and artwork. The collection had to be protected and relocated during the installation of large steel beams within the space, and temperature and humidity were monitored to ensure that proper conditions were maintained in these space.

The design and construction team worked closely with the Vermont History Center staff, and the Vermont State Library staff to coordinate work and ensure an understanding of the needs for the renovation of the space, which include an active lending library for blind and handicapped readers, online resources, and resources for children and teens. The project also improved the building’s area of refuge system, which had fallen behind modern standards in public buildings.