Southeast to repair library brick by brick

Kent Library has acted like a sponge for years, its walls soaking up moisture rather than repelling it.

Southeast Missouri State University now hopes to address the problem brick by brick. Foeste Masonry began removing the 36-year-old tan bricks on the exterior of Kent Library June 10.

Construction crews are replacing the old facade with moisture-resistant material, rigid insulation and new metal flashing while recaulking the walls. New brick only slightly darker in color is then being laid.

"It is going to be a pretty involved process," said Kevin McMeel, facilities management project manager.

The $751,725 project is scheduled to be completed by November.

The library won't look much different, but it will make a world of difference in protecting books, library director Dr. Sarah Cron said.

"The very most basic thing you need out of a library building is to have it be watertight," she said.

Over the years, some books have been damaged by the water problem, and paint on interior walls has peeled.

The Kent Library roof was replaced a few years ago, addressing some water concerns. McMeel said part of the moisture problem along the library walls was caused by a ventilation system that expelled more air than it drew into the building. As a result, the air pressure helped draw moisture into the building. That problem has been corrected, he said.

In a separate project, work is scheduled to start next month to remove metal screening from the ceiling of the library portico. School officials said the goal of that project is to beautify the building and force roosting pigeons to leave.

The removal will allow the front, upper-level library windows to be visible again from the outside, said Angela Meyer, manager of this project for facilities management at Southeast.

"We are basically trying to improve the front-door appearance to the library and clean things up," Meyer said.

Meyer said the screen removal project, expected to cost under $5,000, should be completed before the fall semester starts Aug. 23.

The original Kent Library, which sits across Normal Avenue from Academic Hall, was built in 1939. Construction to expand the library began in 1966. and ended in 1968 wrapping the old building in the brick exterior that is now being replaced as well as the metal screen that is being removed.

mbliss@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123