Library accepts bids for repairs

Repairs on the escalators in Founders Memorial Library could begin as early as mid-December and continue into the spring.

Lola Straffer, personnel assistant for the library, said three companies made bids on repair costs of the escalators. “The bids were high. It’s a lot more costly than they thought,” she said.

James Harder, vice president for business and operations, said he will be reviewing and evaluating the repair bids with the physical plant.

The bids were made for three phases, said John Harrod, director of the physical plant. The first phase, which will cost $87,000, would repair the escalators which are not currently operational. The second phase, which will require an additional $87,000, would improve the escalators which are operational but need renovating. The final phase would be a complete renovation on the remaining escalators, at a cost of $58,000.

Harrod said that if the physical plant is able to find funding and receive contracts for repairs, repairs could begin in mid-December. The first two phases would last for 48 days, while the final phase would continue for 26 days.

The escalators above the second floor have been blocked off while repairs are underway. The stairways are open and the elevators are working.