Castleton library renovations begin

The long-awaited renovations to the lower area of the Castleton Town Hall will begin on August 13 and be done within 60 days.

Cramahe Council approved the bid of $39,310 made by Fisher Construction at its August 11 meeting. Fisher was the contractor who oversaw the work done upstairs in the building.

The work will include removal of all non-supporting walls, and carpet. Sub-floor in the meeting room will also go. New handrails will be installed on the stairs and the floor will be tiled. The Heritage Room will have new French doors. Existing lighting will be replaced by energy-efficient fixtures. Cables will be installed to allow high-speed internet service and the entire lower level will be re-painted with the exception of some historic markings.

Mayor Marc Coombs says that, once the renovations are done in October the Library Board will supervise the re-creation of the library.

The lower level housed the little-used Castleton Branch of the Cramahe Library but was closed when the building was undergoing extensive renovations last year. Fearing closure of the branch, area residents met with the Cramahe Library Board and developed ideas they felt would make the facility more welcoming and better-used.

There was one other compliant bidder on the job. Facility Services bid was $40,650. There was $39,332 remaining in the capital account for the building.