Darien Library on Thursday announced that a well-digging project will be done in its parking lot starting in February and continuing through June. Expect fewer parking spaces.
“The interior of the building will be largely unaffected during this project,” the library announced. But “the Library has advised that parking will be impacted while the new wells are being drilled in some parts of the parking lot.”
Your Guide to Parking at Darien Library
- Parking at the library can be a problem: You may find the parking lot has no free spaces during popular events, as sometimes happens already (the library is more popular than was expected when the new, larger building opened up 10 years ago).
- While no parking is available for library patrons either at the Darien Police Headquarters lot, or on Hecker Avenue close to the library, or on the Post Road, there is parking on the road at Thorndal Circle (but not in the lots for the office buildings there during business hours).
- For evening meetings, there is a parking lot at Thorndal Circle connected to the library parking lot by a walking path. You’re allowed to park there on weekends and at night.
Darien Library map showing where to park when the regular parking lot gets full on evenings and weekends. You can also park on the road at Thorndal Circle, where the signage says you’re allowed.
The announcement also said:
—”The construction project will convert the Library’s existing geothermal standing column wells to a closed loop system, making the library building more comfortable year-round.”
—”The Library will provide regular updates to patrons throughout the project, and looks forward to a more efficient and comfortable building for all to enjoy.”
Here’s the text of the rest of the announcement:
Darien Library’s geothermal heating and cooling system is an important part of the Library’s recognition as a cost-effective, sustainable building that ranks in the top 5 percent of regional HVAC efficiency.
The building’s temperature is regulated through the cycling of water drawn from the wells under the Library’s parking lot. The current system will be upgraded to a closed loop system to optimize heating and cooling.
For visitors of the Library, it means an even more inviting environment in which to spend those hot summer days and cold winter nights.
As Director Alan Kirk Gray explained, “In the 10 years since the building opened, the Library has seen a change in the sub-surface water quality drawn into the standing column wells. New technology is now available to convert the geothermal system to the use of closed loop wells.”
This conversion will achieve more operating efficiencies, providing enhanced comfort throughout the building at a lower operating cost.
The funds for this project will come from the Library’s endowment. “The Friends of the Library are proud to be making this Capital investment in our building,” Board President Kevin Gasvoda said.
“In addition to the generous support that we receive each year from the town of Darien for the general operations of the building and staff salaries, the Friends are committed to making significant improvements such as this whenever necessary.”
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About Darien Library
Darien Library is among the busiest in the state with over 1,300 people visiting on an average day and has the highest per capita circulation of items in Connecticut.
The Library collection includes 125,000 books and 300 newspaper and magazine subscriptions.
In addition, the Library presents over 1,500 public events annually, hosting a lineup of bestselling authors, technology classes, early literacy programs, and workshops for small business owners and entrepreneurs.