Westwood Library Increasing Energy Efficiency

The is planning some renovations that will make it more comfortable and energy-efficient, according to library Director Martha Urbiel.

Currently, the high ceilings in the vestibule and lobby make the space difficult to heat and creates a lot of noise when people speak, Urbiel said.

"It just echoes all over," Urbiel said. "If you have a few people, it gets quite loud. It's a very inefficient space."

The plan involves lowering the ceiling in the lobby with sound panels to absorb the noise. They will install softer lights to replace the old, "harsh" ones currently being used, according to Urbiel. The project will make the library more energy-efficient because it will be easier to heat and the lights will use less power. It should also be quieter and generally more comfortable, she said.

The Westwood Council passed an ordinance at their meeting this week which appropriated $30,000 for the project. Council President Cynthia Waneck noted the money was not coming from tax money. Urbiel said some of the money was raised by the Friends of the Library and some came from a gift donated to the library.

No bids have been awarded yet for the project, but Urbiel said she was looking to have the work done sometime after the summer reading program is done, possibly as soon as late August.

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