Library Board of Trustees Preservation Sub-Committee Meeting

The Preservation Subcommittee conducted a facilities-focused walk-through of the Amesbury Public Library, reviewing exterior and interior preservation concerns. Outside issues included detached copper gutters and open spaces allowing wildlife access (pest control will seal openings with netting), a collapsed gutter above the storage shed causing ice dams, loose flashing on the side facing the church (estimated repair ~$5,800 with APL offering $2,500 and the City being asked to cover the remainder), and drainage noted near Tech Services where a boot was installed on the downslope to redirect water. Inside, staff reported a damp carpet in Tech Services, an overcapacity Archives room with framed objects not stored properly (deaccessioning may be considered in Fall 2024), an unrestored mosaic at the front entrance, and a forthcoming manufacturer inspection of the vault's temperature control system.

For action items, APL staff requested the subcommittee recommend using unrestricted Trust funds to the full Board for preservation work on the front doors and the circulation desk. After discussing obtaining separate quotes from Dogtown Restoration Co., Delia Rinaldi moved — and Mary Chatigny seconded — that the subcommittee recommend to the full Board that Dogtown Restoration Co. perform the conservation of the front doors and the circulation desk; the motion passed unanimously. No public comments were recorded in the minutes.