Mancos Public Library Building Project

A Stable, Sustainable Flooring System

2009-03-11T15:59:00.008-06:00

The new library features a raised flooring system, with an open air 'plenum' underneath. The floor is supported by a framework of vertical pedestals; the 2' x 2' metal and concrete floor tiles are laid into place and secured by screws.

There are many benefits to having a raised floor, including the creation of a 'crawl space' type area for re-routing electrical wires and cabling. This ensures ease of building expansion - down the road, if we need to install a new electrical outlet or a new computer - the wires can be placed with a minimum of hassle.

Another benefit is the way the plenum works with our Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning unit (HVAC). All of the ductwork attached to the HVAC will funnel the air directly to vents located in the floor, thereby heating and cooling people the closest to where they are - near the floor.

Photo Updates

2009-03-04T16:42:00.001-07:00

View towards fireplace of the beautiful glu-lam beams. Glass will fill the areas now covered by plastic.
Jack Stuart, the project manager, left, and another Jaynes builder going over the plans.
Bob Wilson, Board President, and Patsy Smith, Director, on the building tour.
View of the Sustainability Tower from the Meeting Room roof.
The HVAC, installed and under wraps.
Interior Ductwork - this central line originates from the rooftop HVAC, and disappears to the plenum under the floor. From there, warm and cool air will circulate through the building via the sub-floor duct system.
This tangential duct originates from the Transpired Solar Collector Wall, located on the south side of the building. During the winter months, accumulated heat will travel from the Collector Wall to the HVAC system, reducing the workload of the heating system. This results in lower energy useage.
Construction site humor.

Friends Host Community Reception

2009-03-01T10:45:00.002-07:00

Saturday evening the Mancos Friends of the Library hosted a Reception for New Library Updates and Progress. It was very well attended, and door prizes and donation brochures abounded...

We have imported the presentation from that evening to this blog... Some text is included, but we also have a lot of updated photos!

2009.02 Library Reception

Friends, thank you for hosting this special event for the community!

Green Libraries

2009-02-03T23:12:00.003-07:00

Libraries are a place for people to learn, and can be a touchstone for their communities on larger issues facing our world. One such issue is the delicate balance of the Planet Earth.

Like Mancos Public Library, there are a number of libraries across the country 'going green'.

Author Monika Antonelli gives a history of green libraries in the article, The Green Library Movement: An Overview and Beyond.

What would YOU like to learn about being green?

Beginning to Roof

2009-01-15T20:53:00.001-07:00

Exterior Walls

2008-12-26T17:23:00.002-07:00

Big Snow!

2008-12-16T14:18:00.003-07:00

Structural Steel

2008-12-10T17:10:00.000-07:00

Children's Holiday Party Finishes at Building Site

2008-12-03T16:33:00.000-07:00

The Slab Concrete Has Arrived

2008-11-25T14:18:00.003-07:00

Pouring the Concrete Slab

2008-11-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

Electrical Transformer is In!

2008-11-14T19:52:00.005-07:00

Jaynes Company has been working with Empire Electric, and the transformer has now been installed!

What a turn-around - Empire Park, the property that used to be owned by Empire Electric is now owned by the Mancos Public Library; we're building, and we now need Empire's services!

Preparing for Footing Walls

2008-10-08T14:07:00.003-06:00

The foundation footings of the new library have been completed, and Jaynes Construction is now installing rebar and preparing to pour the footing walls. These walls are scheduled (weather permitting) to be poured this Friday, 10 October.

Construction has Officially Begun

2008-10-02T07:38:00.002-06:00

The lot has been cleared, and footers formed! This week, the Jaynes Corp. has been pouring the footers.

Little People Storytime Visits the Building Site

2008-09-17T13:30:00.005-06:00

Today the children of MPL's Little People Storytime sang songs and listened to stories about construction vehicles. Then... a trip to the new library building site! Enthusiasm was high on the walk down Grand Avenue and over the footbridge. Once at the building site, the children were so excited to see the big, loud, and very real working machinery.

During the next nine months, regualar visits will be made by the Little People Storytime group to the building site.

Clean Out the Old and Usher In the New

2008-09-11T15:16:00.004-06:00

The Jaynes Company has started preparations for building! The building site is being cleared of debris, and there is now a fence around the site.

Construction, At Last

2008-09-04T13:47:00.000-06:00

The Jaynes Company, the contractor of the new library, has moved to the building site and will start construction soon!

You'll also find things a bit different at our current location; we've added new display space at the library entrance. Rotating exhibits will feature books, magazines, and videos for all ages. This month's exhibit is "Green Building and Construction". Visit the library to see some examples of our new building, information on green building, and construction in general.

Care for Your Pets and Donate to the Library Building Project!

2008-08-11T11:25:00.001-06:00

The area's newest veterinary clinic, Dolores Animal Hospital, has volunteered to donate 100% of your price on dog and cat vaccines to the Mancos Public Library Building Project.

All you have to do at the time of your pet's vaccine appointment in Dolores, is to mention to Dr. Kevin that you want to donate to the Mancos Public Library Building Project, and you can make your check out to us instead of the Animal Hospital!

This generous offer applies throughout the month of August to all dog and cat vaccine appointments. Give Dolores Animal Hospital a call at 970.882.7100 to help both your pets and your library.

Mancos Public Library Building Update

2008-07-16T08:58:00.008-06:00

The library building project was re-bid during the month of June by Jaynes Corporation, the new construction firm for the project. The Board of Trustees received notification on June 26th that the total bid amount was approximately $489,000 over budget. Jaynes Corporation and the library’s architect, Dennis Humphries are currently working on ways to bring the project within budget.

The Library is continuing its fund raising efforts including the local capital campaign and grant writing to further assist efforts to meet the construction budget. Library officials anticipate the start of construction next month. To learn more about ways to contribute to the Building Fund, please stop by the library or call Patsy Smith, Library Director at 533-7569.

More Blogging about the Library Groundbreaking

2008-05-14T16:57:00.000-06:00

Read here for another take on our groundbreaking ceremony! Special thanks to Tom Vaughan for pointing out this site.

The Official Groundbreaking Ceremony

2008-05-07T23:23:00.011-06:00

It couldn't have been a more perfect day for the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the new Mancos Public Library. Bagpipers led the 100+ attendees across the footbridge over the Mancos River to the new building site.

Seated across what will be the east side of the library, attendees listened to inspiring, and at times funny speeches from the local celebrities as the sun shone and a cool breeze created a lovely spring day.

Master of Ceremonies Mr. Darrell Ellis introduced the speakers: Library Director, Mrs. Patsy Smith; Library Board President, Mr. Robin Strother; Mayor Pro Tem Ms. Cindy Simpson; High School Representative Ms. CeCe Claridge, Library Architect Mr. Dennis Humphries; and Construction Manager Mr. Robert Lea.

Meanwhile, the younger children and their parents played 'in the dirt', digging and driving Tonka Trucks in the large dirt pile created for the "Tonka Truck Jamboree". Well-wishers also participated in the "Foundation Stone Project"; stones gathered from the building site were available for handwritten messages of hopes and dreams for the new library. The stones will be mixed into the foundation for the new library.

The first shovels of dirt were thrown to cheers and whistles! We all know that the next ten months will fly by (and at times seem so long), and this day is the first step in the journey to the new Mancos Public Library.

Closing the ceremony were the bagpipers; the entire group then walked back across the footbridge to the Mancos Community Center, where delicious appetizers were enjoyed, and lively discussions about the construction took place.

The Mancos Public Library would like to thank everyone that has worked so hard and diligently to help us realize our dream of a new library.

Please view all the Groundbreaking Day photos in our Flickr Web Album.

Official Groundbreaking Videos

2008-05-07T19:04:00.001-06:00

Opening Procession with Bagpipes.

Board Members taking out the 'First Shovels'.

KSJD Radio Interview

2008-05-06T08:52:00.000-06:00

Patsy Smith, Director, and Robin Strother, President of the Library Board, will appear on the KSJD (91.5 FM) radio talk show, Zine, on Wednesday, 7 May 2008. The show begins at 8:30 am; Patsy and Robin will be interviewed during the Talking Heads portion of the show.

The discussion will focus on the new library and the groundbreaking, which will take place tomorrow at the new library site (211 First Street, Mancos) at 2:00 pm.

We will be receiving a copy of this broadcast, and will be posting it here as soon as possible.

Tune In!

Official Groundbreaking Ceremony

2008-05-01T11:55:00.000-06:00

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE OFFICIAL GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE NEW LIBRARY!

Location: 211 West First Street

Date & Time: Wednesday, 7 May 2008
at 2 p.m.

Activities

**Tonka Truck Jamboree
(children: bring your own Tonka toy!)
**Stone Foundation Project

Reception to follow at the Community Center on Grand Avenue

Building Project Update

2007-12-26T16:39:00.005-07:00

By Patsy Smith, Director

To read about the history of the library building project, including the latest activities, go to the library website and click 'Expansion' on the left toolbar. Also on the front page of the library website, the 'Newsflash' box at the top contains the link 'Renderings', which will take you to images of exterior and interior views of the library design.

http://mancos.lib.co.us/

The Mancos Public Library Staff (and babies!)

From the Mancos Times

Town Board Waives Fees for New Library

2007-12-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

Mancos trustees approved a motion Wednesday night, November 28, to waive a series of municipal fees to assist in construction of the new Mancos Public Library.

In a unanimous 6-0 vote on Resolution 12, the board deferred a total of $22,363 relating to various expenses normally charged for new facilities in town.

Fees not required by the town for the library included a street impact fee, $1,890; water and sewer tap, $8,452; building permit, $9,623 and legal fees of $2,398.

The new library is an approximately $2 million projet for a one-story, 7,500 square foot facility to be located on the corner of First and Mesa streets just off the Mancos River in town.

Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2008, and once started, it should take about a year to complete.

From the Mancos Times

Building Project Update

2007-11-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

By Patsy Smith, Director

Recently, the Mancos Town Board, Mayor Black, and the town staff demonstrated strong support for the library's building project by passing a number of resolutions that will waive various permit and tap fees. These funds will be applied to other construction costs, thus helping the library meet is budgetary goal for the project. In addition, the support given by the Town will be acknowledged in future grants which will assist the library in obtaining these grants. The Town of Mancos and the Mancos Library District (MLD) also established an intergovernmental agreement which will allow the MLD to develop Mesa Street, which is adjacent to the library building site to provide off-site parking for library patrons and the public. The Mancos Library District would like to thank the Town of Mancos for its strong show of support for the library building project.

On November 15, construction manager, Robert Lea of Davidson Construction gave a presentation on estimated construction costs for the project. The board will meet with architect Dennis Humphries soon, to review and approve the final design development plan.

From the Mancos Times

Artists Schedule Fundraiser for New Mancos Library

2007-11-14T16:33:00.000-07:00

Mancos artists are putting together a fundraiser for the new Mancos Public Library titled, Our Artists for Our Library.

The event is scheduled from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2008 at the Mancos Community Center and will offer food, wine, and live music by Nate Mayfield.

Local creators are being sought to participate and donate work for the fundraiser, according to Marilyn Kroeker. The deadline to turn in artwork for the event is Thursday, December 27.

For more information, contact Kroeker at [970] 533.7464.

From the Mancos Times

Design for New Town Library Taking Shape

2007-11-07T16:26:00.002-07:00

By Patsy Smith

The Mancos Public Library recently hosted a program presented by the facility's consultant for Leaderhip in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Renee Azerbegi, who provided information about the process of certification under the LEED Green Building Rating System from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Azerbegi discussed the green strategies for the new library building including construction activity pollution prevention, site development, water efficiency, on-site renewable energy (photovoltaic panels), recycled and rapidly renewable building materials, indoor environmental quality and innovation in design.

Following that, the project architect, Dennis Humphries, offered the latest design for the new library building to the library board and building project team. This design represents 50 percent of the design development phase. The final design will be presented to the board on Thursday, November 15. Participants discussed all aspects of the design, including LEED points associated with the green strategies. The construction manager, Robert Lea with Davidson Construction, Inc., put together preliminary figures for construction costs. Steve Eccher of Eccher Design & Planning, LLC., who was recently hired as the owner's representative for the project was in attendance.

The latest design is included so that the public has an opportunity to see two views of the exterior design of the new library. Plans of the exterior and interior are available at the library for public review and are posted on the library website, http://mancos.lib.co.us/. Library board members and staff welcome the public's input and ideas on the design.

For more information, contact the Mancos Public Library at [970] 533.7569.

From the Mancos Times

Mancos Library Plans "Green" Building Design

2007-10-17T16:01:00.000-06:00

By Patsy Smith, Director

The Mancos Public Library Board of Trustees is inviting everyone in the community to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design consultant Renee Azerbegi and learn more about the library's plans for a "green" building design for the the library.

At a public meeting at the Methodist Fellowship Hall, 470 West Grand Avenue, on Thursday, October 18, at 7 pm, Azerbegi will speak about the Green Building Rating System and how its standards will be integrated into the new library building.

Following the presentation, citizens are encouraged to participate in the discussion and question time to learn more about LEED and it's relevance for this project.

Azerbegi is a LEED accredited professional and a certified energy manager, who has provided LEED consulting on more than 30 related projects and has performed energy modeling for scores of buildings. Azergegi's firm, Ambient Energy, Inc. is based in Golden, CO.

A green building is environmentally responsible, as well as a healthy workplace and public building. The Mancos library board is committed to designing a building that is committed to designing a building that is respectful of the community and the environment.

We encourage everyone to make plans to attend this program to learn more about the rating system and its standards for the new library building.

For more information, contact the library at [970] 533.7569.

From the Mancos Times

Mancos Public Library Building Project Update

2007-08-29T15:58:00.001-06:00

By Patsy Smith, Director

The Mancos Library District Board of Trustees held a special meeting on Tuesday, August 14, to address several building issues and to review the initial schematic design for the new library.

Members voted to approve the covenant pertaining to the consolidation of lots and discussed the draft of the intergovernmental agreement with the Town of Mancos regarding public improvements on South Mesa Street. This issue was tabled to a later date.

Dennis Humphries, architect for the new library building, presented the initial schematic design to the board and to more than 20 community members. The board approved the schematic design in respect to the location on the site and the size of the building, with the contingency of further input by library staff and other considerations.

Humphries met with library staff the following day to gather their input.

Design development is to continue, including a review of changes at the board's next regular meeting slated Thursday, August 30. A review is mid-September is sceduled, and board approval of the design is on September 27.

For more information about the Mancos Public Library Building Project, call the library at [970] 533.7569.

Duck Bucks

2007-08-01T15:56:00.001-06:00

Mancos Library Director Patsy Smith, left, accepts a $1,000 check from the Kiwanis Club of Mesa Verde duck Saturday as Marty McKean, of the Kiwanis Club, looks on. Money is to go into a fund for the new Mancos Public Library, on which contruction is scheduled to being this fall.

From the Mancos Times

Mancos Days Parade

2007-07-28T16:33:00.001-06:00

The Mancos Public Library "Book Cart Precision Drill Team" at practice with members of Davidson Construction, Inc.

"Constructing a Library - Building a Community" Davidson Truck

Plans for New Library Take Shape

2007-07-04T15:53:00.002-06:00

An effort to construct a new Mancos Public Library is ongoing as the architect for the project, Dennis Humphries, continues his work on a conceptual design.

The proposed 7,500 square foot, one-story building is to be located near the corner of First and Mesa streets just off of the Mancos River. Spacing of the new facility is slated to be about three times the size of the current library, which opened in 1992, according to Director Patsy Smith.
"We're sort of packed in here like sardines," said Smith jokingly, who mentioned that the additional space will allow for the display of more books.

The library is expected to add about 5,000 books to its present total of 17,000.
"We'll have these books displayed in a more visually appealing way," Smith said.

Outdoor landscaping on the library grounds will allow patrons to sit outside and read by the Mancos River, Smith said. The size of the lot is about two-thirds of an acre. "Most people are seeing our project as a win-win situation," she added.

In addition to books and property, the library plans to increase the number of computers from seven to 11. A new 800 to 900-foot conference room will be able to sit 40 to 50 people.
Smith noted that two more part-time employees could be added to the current library staff, which would perhaps allow for additional weekday hours and being open on Sundays.
The library is presently closed on Sunday.

Smith is hopeful to break ground on the approximately $2 million project this fall, but if not, the potential start date would be in the spring of 2008. Once work begin, construction should take approximately one year, she said.

From the Mancos Times

Friends Donate to the Library

2007-07-04T15:51:00.001-06:00

The Mancos Friends of the Library donated $2,500 to the Mancos Public Library building fund June 13. The money was raised from the Friend's raffles during the past two years. Pictured from left are Chyrise Bay-Voit, raffle manager; Patsy Smith, library director; and Gwen Hawkins, Friends' President.

Mancos Public Library Named Enterprise Zone Project

2007-03-28T15:02:00.000-06:00

The Mancos Public Library has been named an Enterprise Zone Contribution Project by the Colorado Economic Development Commission. The Mancos Library was approved at the March 8 Colorado Economic Development Commission meeting for their downtown building project. This designation allows any contributions to the Mancos Public Library to receive a 25 percent state tax credit on cash donations, and a 12 percent state tax credit on in-kind donations.
Currently 20 projects are designated in Southwest Colorado including Southwest Conservation Corps, the Dove Creek Community Health Clinic, area economic development groups, and Southwest Memorial Hospital.

In 1986, the Colorado State Legislature approved the Enterprise Zone Tax Credit program to assist economically distressed areas of the state. The southwest Colorado, all of Montezuma, Archuleta, San Juan and Dolores Counties are designated enterprise zone areas. La Plata County, however, is more of a checkerboard with some areas considred not distressed and thus not included.

Information about eligible businesses, programs, investments, and donations to Enterprise Zone development projects are available by calling the Region 9 office or going online at www.scan.org.

Thanks from the Library

2007-03-21T15:00:00.000-06:00

Letter to the Editor of the Mancos Times

Dear Editor:

The Mancos Public Library board of trustees and the capital campaign committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the following people for their contributions to the successful and enjoyable "Sights and Sounds of the New Community Library" event: the Mancos School District for the use of the Performance Center and Mancos School District staff - Jeanette Hammons, Peggy, Ben, and Tracy; Peter BrindA'mour for arranging the musical entertainment; the musical entertainers including Terry Wells, Lee Bartley, Peter BrindA'mour, Bob Newman, Marilyn Kroecker, Tony Littlejohn, and Jennie Akers; Pete Lloyd and P & D Grocery for cooking and donating the delicious brisket; the Mancos Friends of the Library for their participation; the set-up crew; and the clean-up crew. During the evening, attendees enjoyed the musical entertainment and potluck meal, listened to an update on the building project, viewed preliminary designs, and visited with library representatives about the project. Thank you to everyone who attended and for the generous donations which brought in $336 for the building fund.

Sincerely,
Patsy Smith,
Mancos Public Library Director

*Library Project Waits for Zoning Changes, Flood Plain Study

2007-03-19T14:56:00.004-06:00

"It was the board's recommendation that we change to public zoning. The process has been confusing, but the town has been helpful with getting us on meeting agendas," said Library Director Patsy Smith.

The land was originally owned by Empire Electric. "Weh we started looking at properties, we had certain criteria, such as being close to downtown and the school, and large enough for a facility that would meet the needs of our populations. We looked for two year," said Patsy Smith. The library board approached Empire, which agreed to the sale, the purchase of which was completed in January 2006.

The library board will not proceed with further design work for the new building until a flood plain study is completed. The study is being done by a Durango firm, Wilbur Engineering, and should be done in the next two weeks.

The library board plans to hire a construction manager/general contractor (CM/GM). "Instead of a design-bid-build process, we're doing the CM/GM project. The contractor will work directly with our architect during the design process and recommend materials and help with cost management. We believe it's an easier way to control costs and build a building we can afford," Smith said.

The proposal deadline is April 7; proposals will be evaluated during the week of April 9 and the selected contractor will be notified the week of April 13. "Hopefully, before the contrator comes on board, the flood plain study will be completed," Smith said.

On March 17, the board previewed some conceptual designs at a corned beef dieer. Jean and Clay Bader were named Capital Campaign Chairs for the library project. "We had three music groups - about 100 people attended," Smith said. She added that the P & D Grocery donated the corned beef and the school district provided drinks and table service. "It was a feel-good night, " Smith said. "Our goal was to present some design ideas to residents, but we raised over $300 for the building fund. Every dollar counts," she said.

From the Mancos Times

*Library Project Waits for Zoning Changes, Flood Plain Study

2007-03-19T14:56:00.000-06:00

The new library project for Mancos is moving along, but the library board and director are jumping through hoops to keep the project on track. Currently, the board is waiting for a second reading for zoning changes at the March 28 town trustee meeting. At this time, the proposed site south of the Mancos River is zoned two-thirds commercial and one-third residential. The proposed zoning status will be public, will require onsite parking, which would dramatically change plans and limit available space for the structure.

"It was the board's recommendation that we change to public zoning. The process has been confusing, but the town has been helpful with getting us on meeting agendas," said Library Director Patsy Smith.

The land was originally owned by Empire Electric. "Weh we started looking at properties, we had certain criteria, such as being close to downtown and the school, and large enough for a facility that would meet the needs of our populations. We looked for two year," said Patsy Smith. The library board approached Empire, which agreed to the sale, the purchase of which was completed in January 2006.

The library board will not proceed with further design work for the new building until a flood plain study is completed. The study is being done by a Durango firm, Wilbur Engineering, and should be done in the next two weeks.

The library board plans to hire a construction manager/general contractor (CM/GM). "Instead of a design-bid-build process, we're doing the CM/GM project. The contractor will work directly with our architect during the design process and recommend materials and help with cost management. We believe it's an easier way to control costs and build a building we can afford," Smith said.

The proposal deadline is April 7; proposals will be evaluated during the week of April 9 and the selected contractor will be notified the week of April 13. "Hopefully, before the contrator comes on board, the flood plain study will be completed," Smith said.

On March 17, the board previewed some conceptual designs at a corned beef dieer. Jean and Clay Bader were named Capital Campaign Chairs for the library project. "We had three music groups - about 100 people attended," Smith said. She added that the P & D Grocery donated the corned beef and the school district provided drinks and table service. "It was a feel-good night, " Smith said. "Our goal was to present some design ideas to residents, but we raised over $300 for the building fund. Every dollar counts," she said.

From the Mancos Times

St. Patrick's Day Potluck Fundraiser

2007-03-17T16:51:00.007-06:00

Many Mancos Valley residents came to enjoy the potluck, listen to the wonderful live music, and to socialize about the new library plans.

Honorary Chairs of the Capital Campaign, Jean and Clay Bader

Kate Kearns (with Adeline) and Susan Stamets

Representatives from the Friends of the Library, Jean and Dale

LEED Charette for Sustainability Review

2007-01-27T14:54:00.000-07:00

Presented by Renee Azerbegi and Jen Burnianek, Ambient Energy, LEED consultants for the Mancos Public Library Building Project.
The purpose of the meeting was to develop sustainable design strategies and set project goals. After reviewing the LEED scorecard, the project will meet the minimum requirement of equivalent to LEED Certified and will likely be eligible for a rating equivalent to LEED Silver or Gold.
Sustainable Design Goals:
The Mancos Public Library Board wants the building to meet a LEED Certified Level
30 to 40% savings in annual energy costs compared to a code compliant building (compliant to the ASHRAE 90.1-2004 energy code)
2.5% or more on-site energy will be renewable energy
Lighting Levels 2-3% better than ASHRAE 90.1-2004/IESNA
To be rated Energy Star based on utility bills
30% - 40% savings in annual water usage from plumbing fixtures
50% reduction in annual water usage from irrigation
20% or more local/regional materials
10% ormore recycled content materials
50% or mre construction waste recycling
90% of occupants will have views
The project will incorporate the following sustainability rating systems and guidelines:
LEED-NC version 2.2 for New Commercial Construction and Major Renovation, a rating system developed by the US Green Building Council
Renee and Jen presented the potential LEED points for the new Mancos Public Library. Attendees discussed which points were likely, which ones are to be investigated, or which are not likely.
Ambient Engergy: http://www.ambient-e.com/
US Green Building Council: http://www.usgbc.org/

Library Issues Building Report

2007-01-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

On January 11, Library Director Patsy Smith issued a report on the status of the new library project. She reported that the new library building project is steadily moving forward in the new year. During the current pre-construction phase of the project, there are two primary objectives: design development and securing funds.

Design Development:

A committee is preparing a Request for Proposal for the general contractor for the project. Advertising, review of applications and hiring of the construction company will follow in the next couple of months.

Library representatives met with the Mancos Town Board on January 10 concerning the undeveloped secion of Mesa Street that adjoins the library building site. The library is interested in improving the street and using a portion of it for parking for the new library.
The board of trustees and the project building team will meet with the architect and LEED consultant on January 26-27 to discuss outcomes of the public workshops, site issues, and conceptual layouts. A sustainability charrette will be presented by Ambient Energy, the library's LEED consultant.

Funding:

The current library building was sold in December and will be leased back to the library until we are ready to move into our new building. The cash sale of the building will provide additional funds for the building project. Pat Janz of Coldwell Banker Realty provided excellent service - thank you Pat for a job well done.

Grants were submitted to three Colorado Foundations in January for financial support of the building project.

*Architect Weekend a Success

2006-12-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

Letter to the Editor / Mancos Times

Dear Editor,

The meetings with the library architects, Dennis Humphries and Matt Wilhelm were very successful in gathering input and ideas from the community for the new library building. The architects will take this information and create several conceptual design options that will be available for the community to see in January, 2007.

The Mancos Public Library would like to thank the following individuals andbusinesses for their help and support of the architect meetings. Dana Petersen created the flyer; Charlene Swansen accompanied the architects during the Friday meetings; Fahrenheit Coffeee Roasters donated coffee; P & D Grocery donated donuts; the Mancos Times provided excellent publicity; the Absolute Baker & Cafe provided breakfast goodies; and the Mancos Pizza Company provided pizza.

Thank you to the Mancos elementary shcool, middle school, and high school; and to the Mancos Valley Independent School for allowing us to meet with your students and teachers. We appreciate Nancy Strother, Kenny Smith, and members of the library board and staff for their special help make this a successful weekend.

We would also like to thank the students, senior citizens, community members, library staff, and library board for giving your time and input so that the architects have a real sense of who our community is and what our needs are for the new library. We would like to encourage everyone to continue to give us your ideas and we will pass them on to the architects.

Sincerely, Patsy Smith, Library Director

Mancos Library Director Gives Project Update

2006-12-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

Mancos Public Library Director Patsy Smith recently gave an update for the planned new library facility. Below is a description of the project progress.

LEED Consultant hired: Ambient Energy, Inc., Renee Azerbegi, President, from Golden, Colorado was retained in November as LEED conslutant for the building project. Ambient Energy will provide the design and construction phases, and willo be responsible for submitting documentation to the US Gren Building Council for certification of the project.
Conceptual designs: Dennis Humphries and Matt Wilhelm are currently working on several conceptual designs for the new library. These preliminary designs will be completed by January 2007.

Grants: The Department of Local Affairs awarded the Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance grant in the amount of $350,000 for the building project. In addition, the grant committee is preparing applications to numerous priate foundation grants.

RFP for Construction Manager/General Contractor: A request for proposals for the construction manager/general contractor is being prepared and will be advertised next month. The CM/GC will work with the building team during the final design phase and the construction of the new library.

Mancos Public Library Architect Listens to Residents

2006-11-22T14:48:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, architect Dennis Humphries spent a lot of time meeting Mancos residents and hearing a variety of requests for the design of the planned 6,800 square foot library facility south of the Mancos River.

During a visit to a Senior Center lunch on November 17, the architect hear requests for signs showing different sections in the library, a floor plan and directory near the entrance, sitting and rest areas throughout the interior and exterior, accessible bathroom facilities and bicycle racks.
During the November 18 public meeting at the Community Center, residents wrote their requests on colored "post-it" notes and placed them on large sheets with titles like "public meeting rooms," "children's area," and "general exterior."

Attendees had dozens of suggestions and requests, including picture and art displays, a historical collection room, computers and wireless Internet and high quality acoustics.

Other requests included as much natural lighting as possible and "smart" building innovations such as low water suage and grey water usage for landscaping.

Further discussion about the building's exterior revealed other environmental and cultural concerns. Passive solar power was one suggestion. Another was minimal light pollution. "Only 20 percent of North Americans see the Milky Way," one attendee said, voicing a request for controlled lighting of outdoor areas.

Other discussion items were technology for online cattle auctions and teleconferencing, used book storage, a solarium entrance with native plants as a learning tool, storm water management, an outdoor courtyard on the river with summer seating, a balcony overlooking the Mancos River and the use of local materials for the exterior.

Attendees discussed building styles, with requests for a structure that would blend with and echo elements of older Mancos building such as the Bauer Bank Building. Other attendees wanted to incorporate a Mesa Verde architectural theme, reflecting the Native American influence in the region. Participants rejected, "Southewestern Spanish stucco."

Other requests for the building included self-cleaning glass windows, a brick kiva, a place to safely tie dogs up, handicap accessability and in-floor heating. One resident wsaid he wanted to see a sense of "whimsy" incorporated into the design. "Let's push the edge, but still live within the vernacular," Humphries said.

Humphries will take the community input he received during his visit and develop several proposed plans with a return visit scheduled after the first of the year. "I've got my work cut out for me," he said.

Photo

From the Mancos Times

Dennis Humphries, Architect, Meets with Mancos Valley Community

2006-11-18T17:04:00.001-07:00

Dennis Humphries of Humphries Poli Architects met with Mancos Valley residents to discuss plans for the new library.

Discussion and pizza with Mancos High School students.

A few of the dozens of suggestions for the new library posted during a public meeting on November 18 at the Community Center. The meeting was an opportunity for residents to weigh in on preferences for the planned library. From the Mancos Times

Notice of Library/Architect Meeting in the Mancos Times

2006-11-15T17:18:00.001-07:00

Meet the Architect for the Planned Mancos Library: November 18

2006-11-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

Mr. Dennis Humphries, architect of the new Mancos Public Library building strives to design libraries that fit their communities. Input from all groups of our community is vital for the design phase. Meetings with the architect will take place November 17 and 18 in Mancos. A neighborhood landowner's meeting is set for Friday, November 17 at 3:30 p.m. at the library for business and residential neighbors to express their vision for the new library. Also on Friday, Mr. Humphries will meet with four different school groups, have lunch with the Senior Citizens, and meet with the Board of Trustees at a special work session. Saturday meetings include a public meeting from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Mancos Community Center and an afternoon meeting with library staff. If you are unable to attend any of these meetings, please come by the library and let the staff know your ideas or find out more about other meeting opportunities.

From the Mancos Times

Library Welcomes Architect

2006-11-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

The Mancos Public Library has 2,200 square feet that houses staff, computer users, children's reading groups, community activities and around 16,000 pieces of material, including books, video and audio tapes. Patsy Smith, the library director, shares an office with staff members that is bursting at the seams.

"We've had to put in additional shelving in front of almost all the windows. There s no place elose to grow. Every year when we plan, we try to figure out how to squeeze out a little more shelving space," Smith said. She added that books with lower circulation have been moved into storage to make way for more popular books. "If we get any fuller, it means more severe weeding of materials. Weeding is something we alays do, but it will have to be more aggressive," Smith said.

It is clear that the time has come for a new library facility. Plans have begun for a 6,800 square foot facility south of downtown and the Mancos River. "According to Colorao Public Library Standards and the size of the population here, this is the appropriate size," Smith said. She added that this will almost triple the current library space. Smith would like to utilize outdoor space by the river for reading and activities. The new facility would ideally have multimedia capacity for presentations and lectures, increased space for books, an expanded young adult collection, and a total increase to about 20,000 items. "More office space with staff work areas and a better flow around the circulation desk," she added.

Smith is preparing to welcome architect Dennis Humphries from Denver. Humphries was the architect for the Dolores library, one of the twenty public library projects he has been involoved in. Smith said that the library board chose Humphries for several reasons, including Humphries' library experience and his idea of looking at the town's architecture and history as part of the planning process.

"He loves to do these meetings and get community input," Smith said, referring to Humphries' visit to Mancos the weekend of November 17. Humphries will be available during a public meeting on Saturday, November 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Community Center.

Smith hopes to break ground for the new library facility during early summer, 2007, saying it will take about a year to complete the building with a grand opening during the summer of 2008.
The other side of the process is funding. "We're in a good place," Smith said. A mill levy increase for the new facility passed in November, 2005. "The funds from the mill levy increase will total about $86,000 this year. We're looking at getting a load as well," Smith said. The total budget for the project is $1.9 million, but Smith is confident that funding will be available.

"We've got a loan and we've just received a letter of approval for an energy and mineral impact grant for $350,000," she said. The grant is administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). Smith said she needed the DOLA grant to be able to solicit private foundations for fundraising and was delighted that the grant had been approved.

The library board will also raise funds by selling the current library property. Smith hopes a sale will go through in the next few months. "We're hoping to get $350,000 for this property," Smith said. An additional $200,000 will come from private foundation grants and a local capital campaign drive which will begin in early 2007.

Smith expressed hope that the community will participate in the project planning process by attending the community meeting on November 18 at the Community Center. "We have a vision, but we have to hear from residents," she said. "I do know that he will bring materials for people to look at and get ideas. It's an informal event. I think he will mostly be listening," she said.

Photo

From the Mancos Times

Foot Bridge Across the Mancos River

2006-09-25T17:19:00.001-06:00

Taken from the Library Building Site

Mancos Library Fundraiser a Success

2006-09-21T14:43:00.006-06:00

On September 21, a group of library supporters, board members and staff gathered for a fundraiser dinner and to honor retired Mancos Times editor Tom Vaughan. In attendance were Cortez Hournal publisher Suzy Meyer, Richard Ballantine, owner of the Cortez Journal and the Mancos Times, Library Director Patsy Smith and Tom Vaughan.

Meyer, one-time editor of the Mancos Times, talked about her relationship with the library while she worked in Mancos. "When I first became the newspaper lady, my children were quite small. Here I was, a newspaper lady who often had small children in tow. The library was a refuge, and the librarians occasionally were lifesavers. My children remember the summer reading programs, they still love to read, and for that, I thank you."

The fundraiser was a success, raising $2,400 toward the planned library expansion.

The Mancos Public Library Staff

From the Mancos Times

Architect Selected for the New Library

2006-06-28T14:36:00.001-06:00

After discussion during a regularly scheduled library board meeting on June 22, the Mancos Public Library board of Trustees unanimously voted to select Humphries Poli Architects, P.C. as the architectual firm to design a new library building. Humphries Poli Architects, located in Denver, will be the principal-in-charge and Matthew Wilhelm will serve as the project designer. Dennis Humphries has managed more than 20 library projects, including the Dolores Public Library. Mr. Humphries has been honored as 2005 Architect of the Year by AIA Colorado and as 2004 Architect of the Year by the Colorado chapter of the American Subcontractors Association. He co-founded Humphries Poli Architects, named AIA Denver Firm of the Year, with Joesph Poli in 1994. In further business, the Board voted to go for "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" certification for the library building project.

"In the next couple of months, we will hold public meetings for community members to discuss their needs and wants. From that information, our architect will develop a conceptual design. The initial design process will take about two months," said Patsy Smith, library director.
The second stage will be procuring a general contractor. The final design will be developed, which could take up to seven months, Smith explained.

"We will also be writing grants and get our funding finalized. We can't break ground until we have a close number for the cost of the project." Smith said.

She added tht the groundbreaking for the library will probably be during the spring or early summer of 2007.

From the Mancos Times

Visit Humphries Poli Architects, PC: http://www.hparch.com/

Humphries Poli - Library Design Philosophy

2006-06-26T17:30:00.000-06:00

Library Board, Staff Meet with Consultant

2006-04-19T14:34:00.001-06:00

The Mancos Public Library has lots of heart - in a small and overtaxed body.

That's one way of summarizing the extensive data the library's board, staff and some supporters received during a session with library consultant Abbie Zeltzer on Wednesday, April 12.
Using the data developed during a morning meeting with the library staff, Zeltzer shared the Mancos library's current strengths, current weaknesses, future opportunities and future threats during an open workshop in the afternoon at the visitor center. Each of those aspects was considered with respect to the local library's commons mission (community meeting space), current topics and titles, general history and genealogy.

Among the current strengths listed are the "ease the public feels", children's programming, high circulation and turnover rates [of materials], "knowledgeable staff", public access computers, wireless avbility, ready reference materials at circulation desk, staff knowledge of their community, commitment to the arts, collection balance, the Southwest collection and "program variety and support of outside library community programs".

"Space" is a weakness in almost every respect - space for programs, space for collections and spae for displays. There's also not enough space available to separate activities that can interfere with each other, like children's programs and public access computers.

Future opportunities also emphasize space - space for people and space for things. The spaces for people (multi-use, young adult, children's programs and browsing lounge) carry with them threats - the budget impact of staff to schedule and monitor use, as well as cleaning, repairs and utilities.

More space is also needed for books, periodicals, prints, "technology hardware" and exhibits
When Zeltzer compared the Mancos library with the state standards, she explained that the state rates library resources as essential (25th percentile), enhanced (50th percentile), comprehensive (75th percentile), and 95th percentile.

The Mancos library has a service population of about 4,000, and it expends $4.38 per capita, which puts is almost at the comprehensive level ($4.57 per capita). Our library also has a repectable circulation (7.14 titles per capita; the state figures the enhanced level is 6.54 and comprehensive is 8.12). The turnover rate (average circulation per item owned) is also good: 1.44, which is exactly the comprehensive rate.

The needs are primarily in the areas of periodicals, non-print and audio-visual materials, volumes - and space!

Photo

(Caption: Library Consultant Abbie Zeltzer walks the board of the Mancos Public Library and other library fans through a comparison of the Mancos Library's facilities, holdings and services with comparative data from other libraries in Colorado and the 2005 Colorado Library Standards. The workshop on Wednesday will help the staff and board use the comparative data to pinpoint the capacity and features that need to be designed into the new library to be built in Empire Park.)

From the Mancos Times

Library Winter Dreamscape

2006-02-01T20:29:00.000-07:00

Sustainable Building Practices

2006-01-13T14:32:00.000-07:00

The community is invited to attend a program on the topic of sustainable building practices, sponsosred by the Board of Trustees of the Mancos Public Library. The program will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18, in the visitor center.

Michelle Reott, principal, project manager and systainability consultant for Earthly Ideas, LLC. will talk about the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. LEED evaluates environmental performance from a "whole building" perspective over a building's entire life cycle, providing a definitive standard for what constitutes a "green" building.

The information on LEED practices will be utilized during the planning and building of the new library. Following the presentation, Michelle will be available to answer questions and refreshments will be served.

From the Mancos Times

Fundraising Begins in Earnest for Library

2006-01-11T14:29:00.001-07:00

Mancos Friends of the Library President Linda Starliper (left) hands Mancos Public Library Director Patsy Smith a check for $10,000, to be used for the new library proposed to be built at Empire Park. This is a substantial building block with which to start the fundraising for the new building.

By Terry Marsden, Friends of the Library

The beginning of serious fundraising for the construction of a new Mancos Public Library began this week with the presentation of a $10,000 check to Library Director Patsy Smith by Linda Starliper, president of the Mancos Friends of the Library [made out to the Mancos Library District, for the building project].

During the presentation, both ladies expressed appreciation for the support given the library by the Mancos community and lirary district patrons. It was the support and generosity during numerous fundraisers in 2005 that made the $10,000 donation possible. The recalled the creativity of the Mancos Friends volunteers; the wonderful Englehart fundraiser at Sundance Bear Lodge, the tasty bake sales, book sales, fun raffles and the Christmas Bazaar - all successful fundraisers because so many people gave freely of their time and energy, and a generous community participated and contributed financially in each even with enthusiasm.

Smith and Starliper remind everyone that lovely Englehart-signed and numbered landscape prints are still available for purchase, as well as beautiful Englehart note cards and envelopes. In reality, they point out, this wonderful $10,000 donation is only the beginning of the serious fundraising needed to design and construct a new library. They invite everyone to stop by the Mancos library, look around the cramped facility and understand the need for expansion. Then consider a New Year's resolution to volunteer and contribute to this important community project. Seriously consider becoming a member of the Mancos Friends of the Library. Join in and help with future fundraising events and be a partner in the building of a new and beautiful Mancos Public Library.

From the Mancos Times

The Deed is Done

2006-01-01T14:28:00.000-07:00

...and it's also signed and delivered, transferring eight lots in Empire Park from Empire Electric Cooperative to the Mancos Public Library. The 25-foot by 138-foot lots were one the site of a coal-fired generating plant that provided electricity for residents of Mancos; now the land will generate a new library for the Mancos community. Participants in the historic transfer of property Monday afternoon are, from left, Empire Electric Accounting and Finance Manager Marvin McDonald, Empire General Manager Nal Stephens, Library Director Patsy Smith, Mancos Library Board President Robin Strother (holding the deed), and Library Board Past President Darla Welty.

Photo

From the Mancos Times

Thank You, Mancos Valley!

2005-11-16T14:26:00.000-07:00

By Patsy Smith, Director [After the Mill Levy passed]

Thank you for your great support! The Mancos Valley community has shown its continued support of the library by passing the mill levy ballot issue. The board and staff are eager to begin the next phase of the new library building project. We will keep you informed on our progress and will be asking for community input during the planning process.

From The Mancos Times

Text of Mancos Library District Ballot Question 5A

2005-11-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

Shall Mancos Library District taxes be increased by an estimated $86,467 annually (for collection commencing in calendar year 2006) and by any additional amounts that may be raised annually thereafter by the imposition of additional ad valorem porperty tax rate of 2.5 mills (which is appoximately $1.66 per month on a $1000,000 home in 2006) to build, operate, and maintain a new library (for a total district mill levy not to exceed 6 mills), and shall the Mancos Library District be authorized to collect, retain, and spend the total prroperty tax revenue, along with all other revenues, notwhithstanding any limitation or restriction on revenue or spending now contained in article X, secion 20 of the Colorado constitution and section 29-1-301, C.R.S., or any other law?

Soil and Water Samples at Empire Park

2005-11-02T14:23:00.003-07:00

Smith Drilling Company takes soil samples at five feet and water samples at 15 feet on Oct. 26 in the second phase of environmental testing in Empire Park, the proposed new home for the Mancos Public Library. This testing, along with the earlier surface soils testing, are funded by a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment; a final report of the environmental testing will be completed by CDPHE by mid-November.

From the Mancos Times

One Pizza per Year

2005-11-01T20:52:00.001-07:00

Hazardous Materials Testing at Empire Park

2005-07-11T20:59:00.004-06:00

Smith Drilling conducts the first phase of environmental testing on the surface soils. A grant funded by the Department of Public Health and Environment will cover testing to determine if the site is suitable to build upon.

Board Members look on as the testing is conducted.

Empire Park a Possibility for New Library Site

2005-05-25T14:16:00.000-06:00

Photo
Library Board Members walk the Empire Park property Thursday evening. Empire Park, owned by Empire Electric and leased to the Town of Mancos, is now the sole focus in the library's search for a site to build a new and larger public library for the Mancos Valley. The subject will be on the agenda at the library board's next meeting, beginning at 6 p.m. tomorrow evening at the library; the public is welcome.
From the Mancos Times

The Library is Bursting at the Seams!

2005-04-30T22:32:00.005-06:00

Presentation for the Montezuma County Commissioners

2005-01-03T14:14:00.001-07:00

MANCOS LIBRARY: Robin Strother and Library Director Patsy Smith gave a power point presentation concerning reasons for the need of a new library and their mill levy increase question on this November ballot.

From the Proceedings of the Board of Commissiouners, Montezuma County, Colorado