WELLS — Construction for the Wells Public Library expansion is ramping up, despite the project being slightly behind schedule, according to Town Manager Jon Carter.

During last Tuesday’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting, Carter stated that the expansion is coming along a little slower than expected, but “everything is coming together and it should be a great building.”

In a phone call Friday, library Director Devin Burritt said the brick veneer has been taken down on the wall that’s going to be expanded, trees have been taken down and the area has been excavated. 

Additionally, utility work has been worked on recently for a new sewer and waterline connection at the library, according to Carter. Foundation work is expected to begin next week.

Carter and library Director Devin Burritt have been interviewing companies who could outfit the resource room, or community program room, with audio and visual equipment. The mission is to turn that room into a second public access facility for residents.

Burritt mentioned that he and Carter are looking for a third quote still, but folks at the library are excited about what the new area will bring.

“It’s going to be a great space,” Burritt said. “It’s going to be the highlight of the new addition.

Burritt added that the space will be a for dedicated library programming. Now, every event typically takes place in the children’s area, which is limiting because it isn’t a very large space and when it is being occupied children aren’t able to use the area, Burritt said.

“We’re also designing it so the room can be used after hours so the community can also make use of it,” Burritt stated. “It will also be a backup cable television studio for Town Hall. If there’s a bigger event for what the Town Hall can accommodate then they can use the space.”

The expansion is expected to be finished by next summer, Burritt said.

— Staff Writer Ryder Schumacher can be reached at 282-1535, or via email at rschumacher@journaltribune.com.

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