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.

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.

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!

2009.02 Library Reception

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

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?

Beginning to Roof

Exterior Walls

Big Snow!

Structural Steel

Children's Holiday Party Finishes at Building Site

The Slab Concrete Has Arrived

Pouring the Concrete Slab

Electrical Transformer is In!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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.