The remodeling project at the Perry Public Library that started in July came to a formal conclusion Monday night, when the Perry City Council approved paying off the balance of the $310,715.91 contract to Earlham-based Blue Ribbon Builders LLC.
The library’s major make-over includes “new carpet, new tile, existing bathroom updates, a new family bathroom, new water fountain with touchless bottle filler, new circulation desk and new east entrance for patrons,” according to Mary Murphy, director of the Perry Public Library since 2010.
“Really a nice set up,” said First Ward Perry City Council member Dean Berkland, who represents the district in which the library stands. “It’s going to be great for the citizens of Perry.”
Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Schott, who chaired Monday night’s meeting, echoed Berkland’s praise.
“What I’ve seen so far, it’s just a nice improvement,” Schott said. “It just really, really looks sharp.”
Murphy said a few minor adjustments remain to be made as her staff accustom themselves to the new arrangements.
“The project is done,” said Murphy. “We’re just having, you know, the quirks of the new things, like the door won’t stay shut when there’s wind. So we have to have them back to put more tension on the door, the new east door. But we’re very pleased, very pleased.”
Murphy said she was grateful to the many generous individuals and organizations that donated to the library’s refreshment and the architects and builders who brought the vision to reality.
“We would like to recognize and thank all the funders of the 2020 Library Building Renovation,” Murphy said Monday on Facebook. “We received grants from the Bock Family Foundation Inc., Dallas County Foundation, the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust and Perry Public Library Foundation along with capital funding from the city of Perry. We are very pleased with the architect, ETHOS Design Group Inc., and general contractor, Blue Ribbon Builders.”
