As repairs begin, Fall River Library receives high mark in new review

Despite some of its current shortcomings, the Fall River Public Library received a high mark in a recent review.

Library Land Project, who has visited more than 200 libraries across the country, stopped by the Fall River library for an in-depth review at the end of August.

LLP rate a library on 11 criteria: parking/transportation, WiFi, meeting rooms, condition, completeness, community, friendliness, restrooms, noise, comfort level, and work environment.

The project, who mainly visit Massachusetts libraries, found Fall River’s to be “an unexpected and impressive gem of a library. The external architecture is pretty amazing and the interior is wonderful.”

The group, consisting of Adam Zand and Greg Peverill-Conti, found the library collection to be very large. On top of enjoying the “People’s University” on the front of the building, they also enjoyed the sections and areas for children and young people.

Despite the noticed water damage, LLP rated the library a 4.18. With a new roof and repairs, the ranking would have been even higher. Which brings a great transition to the beginning of the roof repairs.

According to the Facilities Maintenance Department and special assistant to the mayor Monica Sousa, Capeway Roofing Systems, Inc. has been awarded a contract for the Main Library Roof Replacement project. William Starck Architects, Inc. has been awarded a contract concerning Design Services on the project. The past month has been spent completing preliminary paperwork, obtaining permit(s), performing various necessary tests, and schedule coordinating.

This week, on-site ground operations are being established and materials begin to arrive on site. Operations are fully underway.

The projected completion date is scheduled for mid-October.