Major Repair and Renovation (MRR) Update

Submitted by Holly Barfield

Last year we were fortunate to receive additional MRR money. MRR money is a matching grant from Georgia Public Library Service. There are strict rules for what this money can be used for, including carpet, paint, new/replacement HVAC systems, adding or removing walls in a current building, and converting to a LED lighting system are a few examples. These funds cannot be used for furniture, constructing new buildings, repaving parking lots, artwork, or repairing HVAC systems. 

With this money, we have been able to:

• Paint the meeting and study rooms at the Post Road Library.

• Paint the lobby, Hot Spot, meeting, conference, and study rooms at the Sharon Forks Library.

• Replace the carpet in the meeting room at the Hampton Park Library.

• Replace several old HVAC units at the Cumming Library, Headquarters, Sharon Forks Library, and Hampton Park Library.

• Paint the lobby and hallways at the Administrative Offices.

• Reroof the Hampton Park Library.

• Replace the outdated fire system at the Hampton Park Library, Cumming Library, and Administrative Offices.  

• Upgrade the light system at the Post Road Library to LED.  

• Replace three windows with broken seals at the Sharon Forks Library.

• Replace the walk-off mats at the entrances at the Post Road and Hampton Park libraries.

• Resolve the carpet separation issue in the Easy and Juvenile areas at the Sharon Forks Library.

• Add sound battening in the ceiling over key areas at all locations to help resolve sound issues.

• Replace vanities in the public restrooms at the Hampton Park Library.

• Replace the building automation system (controls HVAC) at the Post Road Library.

In addition to the projects above, we have used this money for two small upfits in the Hampton Park Library's quiet room and the Administrative Offices' lobby area.

In the quiet room at the Hampton Park Library, we replaced the carpet with a different style that would match the other carpet in the library but also give the feeling that this space is unique. We painted over the deep red on the walls with a lovely green color, and using funding from another source, we are looking to replace the furniture in this room with single study carrols along the walls, a sofa, four soft seats, and two small 1-2 person tables.  

Since we no longer use the Administrative Offices receptionist desk, we are rethinking this space. We are working to brighten up the lobby area with a textured wall covering and new furniture and turn the space where the receptionist desk is located into a conference room that could be turned into an office in the future if needed. The staff and visitor bathrooms have also been refreshed with new fixtures and tile.