How to Survive Your Library Renovation

The only thing more stressful than a new construction project is a renovation project.  The reasons are pretty endless but mostly renovations are tougher because typically you're already living in that space and construction is going to disrupt your world in ways you probably haven't even imagined yet.  Unless of course you've already experienced this first hand.

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So how do you survive a Library renovation and live to tell the tale?  

I've put together a brief list that will hopefully make it easier on you.  Keep in mind that this is not a full list.  There are plenty of things you can do to maintain your sanity, but I cover that a bit more too in Tip #9 further on down the page.  So if you're considering a renovation, are knee deep in the middle of one or have managed to survive one yourself, read on to learn more about making it safely to the other side:

HELPFUL TIPS TO SURVIVING YOUR LIBRARY RENOVATION

TIP #1 - IF POSSIBLE, PLAN IN PHASES

All projects can be trimmed down to phases.  Even small phases.  So before you even begin, think about what areas of work can be started  and even completed before you move onto other areas.  For example, if you have a large foyer area or an outdoor landscaping part of the project, your contractor could jump in and complete those areas before the rest of the building is addressed.

Keep in mind that this can cost more money sometimes since the subcontractors completing the work may have to come out to your site for different phases of the project.  And they may very well charge more for the multiple trips.  This makes sense though since they would have to prep the space, do the work and then clean up more than one area of your Library.

And this leads me to my next tip.

TIP #2 - RENT A TEMPORARY SPACE

This one may not be feasible for everyone and I realize that, but I do have to say that I've seen this work REALLY well for a past Library client of mine.  In her case, she had the luxury of a building that was made available to her with our local county government.  It just happened to be vacant during the time of her renovation and she was able to relocate most their belongings to the temp space to allow for a complete renovation of the existing building.

I won't say there weren't adjustments and hiccups along the way, but all-in-all I would say it made for a very successful renovation process.  If this is not possible, you'll need to move on to tip #3.

TIP #3 - INVEST IN GOOD STORAGE UNITS

Materials will obviously have to be protected.  And one of the best ways to do this is in a climate controlled storage unit.  If you have to relocate materials for specific periods of time, this may be a viable option for you and your team.  A storage unit will obviously vary from project to project, but even if it helps with just a portion of your furniture, materials, shelves, etc. it can be a highly beneficial option.  

TIP #4 - HIRE PROFESSIONAL BOOK MOVERS

And if you do have the option to relocate, I highly recommend hiring professional movers.  And not just any movers, but people who are well versed in the protection of books. 

I've seen this work for several clients and basically a team of movers come in with mobile shelving units that they were able to load up with materials and then wrap with plastic wrap for added protection and immobilization.  Then books can be either moved off site to a protected location or moved around the Library as the renovation takes place.

TIP #5 - HAVE A DETAILED PLAN OF ACTION

This one is most important and should really be addressed before everything else.  So sit down with your LD Support team (Library Design Support Team) and begin hashing out a plan of action that deals with where your materials will go and how they will get there.  Consider your staff and where they will go and how they will continue their work in whatever new environment they may have to work in. 

Decide on whether or not you need to close down your Library and if so, when is best.  You'll need to decide on how that looks too.  Will there be a new area to open up the basic Library functions?  For example, public computer use. 

We had a small Library renovation that took place a few years ago in a community that really thrived on it's use of the internet.  That area of the city had limited personal use of the internet so shutting down that portion of their Library would have been quite a detriment.  So they were able to locate a small space that allowed them to keep the basic use of their computers up and running.

It's decisions like these that are crucial to the continued function of your Library during your renovation.  So don't make last-minute decisions whenever you can help it.  Plan it all out.

TIP #6 - DESIGNATE SPECIFIC JOBS TO YOUR STAFF

Know your staff and what they are good at.  Then assign jobs and projects that might not be in their typical scope so that you can keep your Library renovation and daily activities running smoothly.  Keep everyone informed from the very beginning.  Let them know this is a big change but that the payoff will all be worth it.  And then know their limits too.  Renovations are stressful, but try to minimize stress when and where you can.  But in the end, it's all hands on deck.

TIP #7 - CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME OF YEAR

If you have the luxury of selecting dates for your renovation, choose wisely.  Not everyone will have that ability but if you do, make sure very large-ticket items aren't taking place during summer reading or any other annual programs that are a huge undertaking for your Library.  This one should be a major consideration when you're in your planning phase.  At the very least, if you can't pick your dates, at least you can be aware of the schedule conflicts and plan ahead for how best to tackle them.

TIP #8 - DECLUTTER

This is a great time to begin throwing out things you don't want to take with you to the new space.  Go through your storage closets, weed books, clean out your desks.  Nothing goes in the new space that doesn't need to go there.  And if you do get to relocate temporarily, the last thing you want to do is move things more times than you have to.

TIP #9 - LEARN FROM OTHERS' EXPERIENCES

This is the one I was referring to in the intro.  Maintaining your sanity through this process can be a test of wills.  But knowing that others have gone through this before you and also knowing who you can reach out to for a little pep talk or "how to" chat can help bring you down off your proverbial ledge.  

Talking it out with others who have been through a renovation can give you insights into things you probably haven't even considered yet.  So find your renovation mentor and get them on speed dial!

TIP #10 - DON'T SWEAT IT

Remember that you will survive this.  Is it hard work?  Absolutely.  Can you handle it. Yes you most certainly can!  Take some deep breaths when necessary and find your small team of individuals that will support you through the process.  And make sure you're there to support them too.  That's what the LD Support Team is all about!