New Lynnfield Library
Maintenance Issues
Although the Library staff does an incredible job with the current space, there are major maintenance issues with the current building. These issues have been documented in many analyses of the building and the site.
Scroll down or use the links below to explore these issues in greater detail:
Building Access
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Only public entrance consists of two sets of double doors
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Patrons in wheelchairs and caregivers with children in strollers struggle to get inside
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During heavy rain, parking lot can overflow and water flows down the emergency exit stairs and under the door into the basement
Basement - Flooding Issues
The basement has numerous issues which make it inadequate for the purpose of storing books and having Library patrons browse the "Fiction" section of the Library.
The Library basement is accessible inside via the elevator and a single set of stairs. There is an emergency door and set of stairs to the rear of the building. The outside stairwell often fills with leaves and water and the drainage is inadequate. The adjacent stream often overflows its banks during major storms: the water then has the potential to run into the basement via the emergency door stairwell and ground level vents in the foundation.
Basement emergency exit inaccessible during flooding
There have been two major flood events in this area in the last 15 years. In 2001, flooding destroyed part of the fiction and mystery collections housed in the basement. The remainder of the collection was boxed up and remained inaccessible to patrons for the duration of the clean-up efforts.
In 2014, water ran down the emergency exit steps into the basement and also through foundation ventilation conduits, seeping into the walls, wallboard and the foundation itself as it flooded the basement. In instances like this, the emergency exit in the basement is inaccessible.
When the flooding occurred, the Library basement was closed for a month during clean- up and drying. Fortunately, the footing of the metal shelving is three inches off the floor so the collections on the lower shelves were not damaged. Making sure that the basement carpeting dried and was not contaminated with mold remains a continual concern.
Stairway to basement emergency exit
Emergency exit door in basement interior
In addition, if the elevator is not working during an emergency, the only option is to use the stairs. If any patrons were disabled and unable to use stairs, they would be unable to leave the Library and their safety and health would be in immediate danger.
Ceiling Light Issues and Leaky Roof
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Lights on either side of ceiling fans permanently off due to strobe effect when lit
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Because the lights are difficult to reach, DPW needs to bring in a hydraulic lift to access the lights.
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As a result, broken lights are not replaced until a sufficient number have burned out to justify the effort of bringing in the special equipment.
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Severe weather and leaking pipes cause water leaks throughout the building - Youth Services, Genealogy, Circulation Desk area and Technical Services
Numerous Bathroom Issues
There are only 2 bathrooms in the entire building, with numerous issues:
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Staff and Library patrons share two bathrooms.
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Maneuvering into the bathrooms is challenging, especially when patrons are pushing a stroller or are carrying bags.
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Space is limited in the bathrooms, complicating navigation for parents and caregivers in tight quarters.
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There is no accessible family bathroom suitable for parents or caregivers with small children, or for adults who need assistance from a caregiver.
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At times the women’s bathroom door lock gets stuck, and patrons get locked in. It is very easy to accidentally lock the door and not realize it. Several years ago, someone locked themselves into the handicap stall and had a medical issue, but we were able to open the door.
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The handicap door button also gets broken.
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There is no private space for nursing mothers in the Library or the bathrooms.
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There is a lack of patron privacy in the layout of the bathroom.
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Library staff at the Reference desk and patrons in the hall can see into the men’s room when the door is open.
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View of hallway leaving bathrooms
Safety Issues due to Layout / Egress
if a fire were to break out, anyone unfamiliar with the layout of the building would find it difficult to exit. Building egress currently satisfies the minimum requirements, but the current layout is not ideal for library patrons.
For example:
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Library Mezzanine: On the Library mezzanine, there are two possible ways to leave the area. The first is to use the elevator. The second is to use one of two sets of stairs on either side of the rear of the mezzanine.
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If an individual is unable to physically use the stairs and the elevator is not operational during an emergency or otherwise, the patron would not be able to get to safety without assistance by first responders. This would involve contacting 911 or the fire station directly.
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Fortunately, we have not had such a situation yet, but the protocol is documented and the staff knowledgeable.
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Library Green Room: The Library Green Room is a multipurpose space used for meetings, staff breaks, workspace and storage. The room is accessible only via a narrow set of steps that are not ADA compliant.
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In the event of a fire, an individual would have to descend the steps into the Children’s Room and then navigate to an emergency exit or use the second story windows in the room as an escape.
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None of the windows are designed to serve as a means of emergency egress.
Stairs off the mezzanine
Mice, Pests and Insects are a problem
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Pipes running the length of the building from the basement to the second floor give pests access all over the building.
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Mice are common as the building is not airtight or sealed in ways to prevent mice from taking up residence.
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When needed, traps are laid to catch mice, which are unsightly and disturbing to staff and patrons.
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The basement under the Children’s Room is not available to use because of its dirt floor, low ceiling and poor lighting.
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The foundation of this area of the building is composed of fieldstone, not poured concrete. It dates to 1856 as this section of the Library is the original Center School House.
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This environment is perfect for pests, vermin and insects which travel from this section of the basement to other parts of the building on the pipe.
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Electrical Access
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Patrons bring in a variety of electronic devices with cords that need to be plugged into electric outlets. Unfortunately, the electrical outlets are inconveniently and inaccessibly located with cords that cause potential tripping hazards.
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Where there are outlets, multiple items are plugged into one space. The use of surge protectors and extension cords are required.
Electrical outlets under public computers
Surge protectors on the Library mezzanine
Surge protectors by reading tables
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The library has also integrated new technologies into programs and services, including Robotics, a 3D printer, and coding equipment. With no dedicated space for this technology, the equipment is stored throughout the building and is only accessible to the public during library programs.
No Humidity Control
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There are no humidity controls in the building and air is excessively dry in the winter and excessively humid in the summer.
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Humidity extremes (very low or very high humidity) have a detrimental effect on the life expectancy of paper and books and on the health and comfort of staff members and patrons.
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The temperature and comfort level throughout the building varies and due to the inadequate placement of heating and cooling vents, air flow is not consistent throughout.
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For instance, two areas of the Library are especially warm during the summer, the Library mezzanine area and the Children’s Room.
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Fans must be used in these spaces to circulate the air in an attempt to make it more comfortable.
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These issues have been documented in many analyses conducted by various groups in Lynnfield over the past decade. You can browse our Relevant Documents page to see some of the many planning documents which list these issues in great detail.