WOW!

     This past Saturday, Library Trustees and Beyond Books Capital Campaign Committee members were treated to a tour of construction progress, and all I can say is "Wow!"  Seeing the building up close gave us a tremendous sense of the exciting library we are supporting.

     Technically speaking, the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are just about done.  Right now, the building is being closed up with temporary plastic enclosures.  Once the building is enclosed and the heat turned on, the walls will get closed in with drywall.  Installation of curtain-wall and windows is also underway, showcasing some of the final materials we'll use in the building.

    But the real story is in the pictures!  Let's get to them:

Director Jerry Cirillo is a man of many talents - today he was an excellent tour guide.

This is the main entrance on the ground floor.  All library traffic will move in and out this door.  The circulation desk will be here, as well as book returns, and self-check out kiosks.  

The ground floor includes a large meeting room, and a smaller conference room, as well as a Circulation Work Room.  Meeting rooms are equipped with up-to-date electronic infrastructure.

The small conference room on the ground floor.

This gorgeous first-floor space is the Adult Reading Room. 

Another view of the Adult Reading Room.

The original concrete construction made installation of mechanical, electrical and plumbing work a challenge.    Architects routed many of those systems through the former elevator shaft.  

The staircase on the front of the building will be enclosed with glass.  This link between interior and exterior spaces will highlight library activities, and invite the public to stop in for a visit.  

The Young Adult reading space will be enclosed with glass, providing direct sight lines from the circulation desk.   This space will be heated by an energy efficient radiant heating system. 

These two shots of the Children's Library highlight the light, open and airy nature of the design.  The "tree house" effect is absolutely wonderful.  This is a space that will be enjoyed by many families for years to come.  

The Children's Story and Craft Room will include easy-to-clean materials that allow youngsters to fully express their creativity without worrying about difficult clean up.  

Did you sign the beam?  It is still visible (for now) in the Children's Library.  

From the mezzanine, the old and new spaces can be seen together.  

Fieldstone was a late addition to the design, and it looks wonderful!

Are you interested in donating or naming a space in the new Boyden Library?  Please contact us at BeyondBooksfoxboro@gmail.com, or call 774-300-9045.
Your support will take the Boyden BEYOND BOOKS!

   

Taking Form

 Welcome Back!

The form of the new and improved Boyden Library is taking clear shape.  Major structural and design elements are now in place, and the silhouette of the building clearly defines its final form.  Construction crews are working hard to get things sealed up before winter, and the nice weather will make that job much easier.    Enjoy the pictures!

The view from Bird Street, which was featured in Boyden Library design presentations.

This is the view from Baker Street.  Parking will be on the ground floor, under the second and third floors.

Renovation on existing space is ongoing.  

This is brand new space in the addition.

The staircase, a major design feature, is taking shape.

The suspended walkway to the new Children's Library.

Major Movement!

The new entrance on Baker Street.

Construction has moved along in a major way while the Boyden Blog has been on summer vacation.  As you can see below, the facade of our addition is taking shape, and looking a lot like the final construction drawings.  The internal structure of the building is also becoming clearer, with walls and internal spaces being delineated.  The bottom photos show one of the most exciting features of the building - the external walkway to the Children's Library.  Construction is on time, on budget, and looking fabulous!

The "skywalk" to the Children's Library.

Can You Spot Your Signature?

Lots of people turned out for the Boyden Community Beam Signing despite the wet, cool weather.  I can say with full confidence that nobody suffered heat exhaustion.  It was especially enjoyable to see families with young children sign the beam.  Everything is exciting to a child, and this was no exception!  A couple of runners even jumped out of the road race to sign.

As you will see below, our excellent work crew has placed the beam at the top of the addition, making it a permanent part of Boyden Library.

It was a pleasure to see everyone who stopped by, and we thank you for all the support you have given the Library.  This has been a long term project, involving the support of many people through the years.  We look forward to seeing you again when the renovated and expanded Boyden Library opens next spring!

The signed beam, in place at the top of the addition.  

The Magee Family braved the cold and wet to sign their names to the new Boyden Library.

Can you spot your signature?  Thanks to Laurie Magee for sharing some of her photos.

Community Beam Signing Event

IT'S OFFICIAL!

The Community Beam Signing Event will be Saturday, June 2, from 9 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.  Drop by any time in the morning and sign your name on the last beam. Together, we are making Boyden Library history.

See you there!

Beam Signing Ceremony!!

The building is going up!!  After years of discussion and work, the Boyden library addition is going up!  The construction site is alive with activity, and everyday new progress is visible.  Take a quick drive by and see everything that is happening - you won't be disappointed.

We are planning a community beam signing ceremony as the steel frame approaches completion.  We invite everyone to sign one of the last beams to be erected, and be part of library history.  Date and time will be announced, depending on construction progress.  We look forward to seeing you!

Caution: Construction Zone!

 While there is still a lot of work going on inside the building, the really exciting stuff is outside.   This picture provides an excellent perspective on how deep the foundations of the new building will go.

This is a footing for the addition.  In the background, you an see where the plinth will go.  This will ultimately present a beautiful fieldstone face to the world.

This overhead view shows the back wall of the addition.  The job looks much bigger from up here!

The whole addition footprint.  It is hard to imagine that this big dirt hole is going to be a beautiful library in less than a year!

Things are Really Cooking!

 Construction of the addition is underway!  This week, the construction crew began the first of several concrete pours of the foundation.  Next month, we'll see the steel frame being erected, and watch the skeleton of our new building come into existence.  Things are really cooking!

This is the first pouring for the new foundation!

Footing for the foundation of the new building.

It seems as if there is just as much going on inside the building as outside.    This is one of many trenches for the new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.