Schenectady library brings in temporary heating system

SCHENECTADY — That large semi-trailer parked next to the central branch of the Schenectady Public Library these days isn’t filled with contending titles for the “One County, One Book” contest.

Instead, it holds a self-contained boiler, ready to heat the Clinton Street building until three permanent boilers come online in late November.

The library is replacing two boilers and cooling equipment in the building. The work is part of a nearly $600,000 project to upgrade mechanical systems in place since the building was built 40 years ago.

The building has two boilers, one of which stopped working two years ago. The other boiler is being disconnected, which has left the building with no heat. Both are being dismantled and removed.

The boiler in the parking lot will be switched on as needed, said Library Director Andy Kulmatiski

The library is getting three new boilers, costing $86,000, and new chillers and other mechanical systems, costing $372,000. All mechanical work will be done by mid-November, Kulmatiski said

The library’s electrical systems will also be upgraded at a cost of $125,000. The work will take about four days to complete, requiring the central branch to close during this period.

“The earliest it will be is Dec. 15. And if worst comes to the worst, we will wait until the spring to do the work,” Kulmatiski said.

The closure will occur during a weekday period, perhaps during a holiday when the library normally closes, to minimize the disruption, Kulmatiski said.

The library is using state grants to pay for most of the work.