Library
shelving
'overdue' but
rest of move
progressing
Town Hall begins move
into Municipal Complex
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — Does moving ever go 100 percent smoothly? Nope.
Just ask the library. Shelving for the new library in the on-the-edge-of-complete Municipal Complex is still delayed. No point moving books if you have nowhere to put them.
The “old” library will close at the end of the day Aug. 25 and they hope to move things in the basement Aug. 26 and 27 to the new library. Then the “old” library will reopen Aug. 30 through Sept. 10. Then “fingers crossed,” according to Putnam Public Library Director Priscilla Colwell, it looks like the library will be moving the week of Sept. 13 through Sept. 17.She said they hope to reopen to the public in the new facility Sept. 20.
On the town side movers will begin moving the Town Hall to its new quarters Monday.
Under the temporary certificate of occupancy, items may be moved in. New furniture for the new Town Hall section of the complex was delivered directly to its new digs.
Town Administrator Elaine Sistare said finishing touches are being done, as is the punch list. “I’m happy, overall, with the process,” she said. Details will still continue to be handled “after we’re in there.” There’s no problem that would keep the town from moving into its new home any later than projected. The old Town Hall is closed for the next couple weeks and they hope to open to the public Sept. 7. An October Open House celebration is being planned.
On the town side, she said, one piece of furniture is not installed yet — a custom-built conference table. The woodworkers are finishing the children’s library desk first — it takes priority. “We can certainly open without the conference table.”
Sistare said some “punch-list items work will continue after we’re in and functioning.” She added that for a period of time if they see something damaged (i.e. a section of rug) they can call for the builder to come replace it.

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