Jackson District Library To Replace 155 Windows at the Carnegie Library

Jackson District Library Carnegie Building.  JTV file photo.

(July 1, 2024 1:34 PM ET) Contractors will begin replacing nearly all windows at the Carnegie Library, 244 W. Michigan Ave., this summer. The library will remain open during the project, though as a safety precaution, some rooms and areas within the building will not be accessible on a periodic basis.

Officials are closing the parking lot just north of the library for use as a staging area for contractors. Patrons will still be able to access the parking lot directly west of the building and will still have access to the drive-thru book drop during the project. Beginning today, contractors will begin to remove the century-old windows from the library building.

Jackson contractor R.W. Mercer is the project manager and will oversee the replacement of the old windows with new, historically-accurate windows. JDL officials hired Asbestos Abatement Inc. to remove the old windows. The district is spending $800,000 on the project.

“Our top priority is to keep our patrons and our staff safe,” JDL Director Liz Breed said. “This project is being coordinated with the utmost care and concern so work can be done safely while also keeping the library open to the public. Most of the removal work on the 155 windows will occur on the outside of the building and away from the general public and staff.”

On the inside of the building, protective isolation barriers will be used to contain demolition materials and dust. Contractors and experts expect most of the windows to contain at least some traces of lead and asbestos. A third-party independent industrial hygienist will also be on site at all times to run air and building material samples during removal, officials said.

JDL staff are encouraging patrons to place holds on materials they want to check out as the project continues through the fall. By placing a hold, staff can ensure that patrons can access those items when they arrive to pick them up, since some rooms and areas of the library will be off-limits to the general public as work is being done.

“This project will extend the life of the Carnegie Library and improve the energy efficiency in the building,” Breed said. “We want Jackson County residents to enjoy and experience this historic library for generations to come, and this project helps us accomplish that goal.”