Wednesday, March 11, 2009

A Stable, Sustainable Flooring System

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.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Photo Updates

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.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Friends Host Community Reception

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!



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

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Green Libraries

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?

Friday, December 26, 2008

Tuesday, December 16, 2008