Lighting improvements

AREA-Atrium0708The Grandview Heights Public Library is implementing lighting upgrades throughout the building to reduce energy costs, reduce labor, and improve lighting quality. 

The library will save in energy, operating, and maintenance costs, as outlined in a report prepared by Dynamix Engineering Services. Additionally, the quality of lighting throughout the library will be improved for patrons.  

Replacement bulbs for existing lighting fixtures will soon become unavailable. The majority of existing fluorescent bulbs will be replaced with high-efficiency LED bulbs. These bulbs will need to replaced only once every 10 years, significantly reducing maintenance costs. 

Investing in these energy conservation measures will provide a significant return on investment for the community. Over 10 years, the library expects to save approximately $220,000: $107,000 in energy costs and 113,000 in labor and maintenance. Nearly all current lighting fixtures will be retained. 

The $140,000 project is also eligible for $9,000 in energy rebates that will expire soon. This brings the net cost of the project to approximately $131,000, using money already budgeted in the library’s building fund. 

The project is expected to be completed by October 2016, with the work conducted by Dynamix Engineering Services. 

Enhanced Reference spaces

Technology, study, and reading spaces have been enhanced in the Reference department on the second floor of the library, funded in part by a generous private donation.

A public technology space replaces shelved collections, which have been shifted and consolidated to a nearby shelving area, in the main area. Twenty-two updated work stations with 18 new, all-in-one computers (featuring Windows 10 with Microsoft Office and Internet) replace older computers.

Updated nonfiction book displays and reading areas featuring casual seating replace modular furniture and old computer work stations in the former public computer room.

Five new tables with chairs have been added to create more study space throughout the department.

These refreshed areas, which haven’t received updates in more than 15 years, are funded in part by a generous memorial donation. The library is grateful to the family of Louise Anderson, a patron who enjoyed the Reference department, for honoring her memory with a donation to the library.

The department now provides more public computers, work stations and spaces for patrons to bring in their own laptops and work, additional comfortable seating options, and browsable displays for materials, all while maximizing efficient use of spaces within the department.

Learn more about Reference Services.