The began restoring the outside of the historic library on Monday, holding a kick-off party at 3 p.m.
The project, which is financed in part by the state of Connecticut utilizing Community Investment Act funds and the Bill and Eileen Ames Charitable Trust, will allow the library to do some work to the original 1893 section.
“We’ve been planning it over the last two years, and the goal of it is to preserve the exterior of the old building,” said Library Director Lois Hiller. “Primarily, to keep water from coming into the building, which would deteriorate the structure.”
The library was built in 1892 and opened in 1893.
The overall cost of repair work is estimated at $300,000, and it will take about ten weeks.
Original features such as the copper clad cupola, stained glass windows and the two original terra cotta reliefs in the pediments will be repaired. Asbestos and lead paint will also be removed.
Superior Finishes, based in Middletown, is general contractor on the project. The library was awarded a $138,400 Historic Restoration Fund Grant toward the work in January.
