Thanks for all fo the responses to my carpet problem. We have gotten a =
dehumidifier and it has been running continously for the past week. If =
that doesn't take care of the problem, then I'm sure the carpet will be =
removed. =20
There are a few things you can do to remove moisture from the air, so
that you can have carpeting without mold. One is to buy a
dehumidifier. Maybe a parent group would come up with the money.
Another is to buy packets of a product called Damp Rid, which has
moisture-absorbing granules. It comes in covered plastic trays which
fill with water removed from the air, or in hanging bags which fill
with water at the bottom. These could be placed in inconspicuous
spots around the room. Their open plastic pails are refillable, but
probably would not work in a public place. Damp Rid is sold at Wal
Mart, but I've found that employees seldom know where it's kept. In
some stores, it's next to the bleach; others have it beside plumbing
supplies.
Cindy
Cynthia Carr, librarian Cleveland High School
home: wccarr@ionet.net work: cindycarr@cleveland.k12.ok.us
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************
Carpet had acoustic qualities, regular tile does not*. What I mean is, =
the
library will be "louder" but not necessarily because of shoes on the =
floor
making noise. Think back to any time you went to a model home with no
carpet, drapes, or furniture. Even in a small room you'll get echoes, =
not
just from feet but voices are amplified. The books on the shelves will =
help
deaden sound, but you're still better off with carpet. If you still =
can't
get carpet, maybe some large commercial area rugs, and some hanging =
fabric
banners (check with your fire codes on anything hanging), drapes =
probably
aren't likely unless you can justify them by needing them for room
darkening. If you can get the drapes try for the heavy liner for =
black-out
with a nice fabric on the inside for decor. Even when they are open and
pushed back they will give you a lot of sound deadening.
*Perhaps there are some that are acoustical. I'm thinking of cork but =
that
would probably not be moisture-resistant as far as mold. There may be
others.
Best wishes,
Joanne Ladewig, Library Aide (A.K.A. "Library Lady")
Lawrence Elementary, G.G.U.S.D.
Garden Grove, California
shatz1@earthlink.net
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************
I can't imagine a library with tile!!! Carpet absorbs a=20
LOT of sound which helps reduce distractions to your=20
patrons. I'm not one of those shushing librarians that=20
insists on a QUIET library but carpet really helps=20
minimize distracting noise. Here are a couple other=20
reasons to have carpet: If you have tile, they will=20
need to wax/buff the floors in the summer and possibly=20
during other breaks. Are they going to want all shelves=20
moved so they can wax the entire floor or will they only=20
wax up to the shelves so that they then become stuck to=20
the floor??? Also, we have tile in our computer lab and=20
I notice a big difference on my feet when I spend a day=20
with students in the lab vs. a day in the library (which=20
is carpeted). Tile is much harder on your feet so if=20
you are on your feet a lot, you will feel a big=20
difference (even with good shoes!). Good luck!
brenda525@att.net=20
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************
There are commercial carpets of synthetic materials that do not mold and
wear and clean well. They are NOT like your home carpets at all.
Carpeting should be laid throughout the area and not cut to surround
anything. You will change locations if your program is a growing one.
There are tiles and Prego "wood" flooring and probably other types that
are quiet to walk on. The tile that surrounds our cook to order area in
our dining room is non slip and quiet for feet. Alas not so for rolling
dish carts but it is dish rattle and you wouldn't have that.
Hilda L. Jay, LMS(Ret.) & Author
Collington Cottage 2108
10450 Lottsford Road
Bowie, MD 20721
hlj002@ns1.wmdc.edu
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************
Sorry, but I have to agree with your principal. Carpeting becomes =
stained=20
and worn very quickly...not to mention the dampness and mildew problems =
you=20
mentioned. The carpeting would harbor mildew and other mold spores that =
even daily vacuuming would not take care of.
My library has a tile floor which has been there for many years. It =
still=20
looks good when it's mopped and waxed. We have social events in here, =
and I=20
don't have to worry about spills.
Noise has not been a problem. Most kids around here wear sneakers or =
other=20
soft-soled shoes, and the computer fans and printer make more noise than =
the=20
students walking around the room.
Virginia Martin, Librarian
Ketron Middle School
Kingsport, TN 37660
mamamartin@hotmail.com
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************
I have worked in school libraries that have tile and those that have =
carpet. At the secondary level tile works well. I always likes it =
because the custodians clean it more often and I could hear when the =
students were doing things they shouldn't. Besides old carpeting is =
disgusting. With the problems in your library with moisture and and =
mold I suggest that you get at least one dehumiditfier. They works =
wonders with getting moisture out of the air and funishings. Kathy
Kathy Geronzin <kathy_geronzin@po-1.northeast.k12.ia.us>
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************
I am afraid I can't help you. I think carpeting is a
very bad idea. Tile is much better, and easier to
clean. Area rugs are a much better idea because they
are easy and cheap to replace. I have carpeting that
I can not get rid of and it is stained, dirty, and god
knows how much mold, allergens, and bacteria is in it.
Once someone spills something on it (even though I
dont' allow food/drink) I have yet another stain that
I will have to live with for yet another 10 years. =20
In your case, the fact that you have high humidity is
another good reason to avoid carpeting. The humidity
is causing mold and mildew on your carpet, even if you
can't see or smell it. Over time, YOU will develop
major respiratory problems as well as anyone who is in
there a good deal. I would go for the tile.
Sharon McLarney <s_mclarney@yahoo.com>
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************
I don't know the size of your library. Is is large enough (and laid out =
in such a way) that you could use tile in the areas most prone to leaks =
and have some sections in carpet? Just an idea - maybe not a practical =
one. But I too would hate to give up carpet entirely.
Judy
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************
Noise is certainly going to be a problem, but it is my understanding=20
that tile is more expensive to maintain than carpet. You might have the =
principle check with the custodians about what they think. Maintaining=20
tile requires special polishers, occasional stripping and waxing, and a=20
lot of work. Is the school equipped for that?
--=20
Larry Wieland
Jeffcat Cataloging Supervisor
Jefferson Co. Public Schools
Golden, CO=20
lwieland@jeffco.k12.co.us
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************
I have had tile and now have carpet. Given your humidity problems, and
leaking windows I think tile would be best. I was really glad I had tile
when I had a major leak one year at my former job.
It really isn't that loud when students walk across tile and tile is =
easier
to mop up when it rains. Of course, carpet is a bit quieter, and =
doesn't
show marks, etc. However, I would rather dust a floor than have to =
vacuum.
Perhaps the difference in cost could be used to fix the leaking windows?
Toni Koontz
Media Specialist
St. Charles Preparatory
Columbus, OH
Carpe Diem
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************
I would definitely get carpet. You don't work with water or glue. You=20
don't do experiments with dirt, etc. etc. I have tile in my library and =
the noise is horrible. Everything is magnified. Just imagine having=20
more than one class at a time! I have also worked in libraries with=20
carpet and it is so much nicer. I don't know if there are any studies=20
but maybe if you get a lot of stories you can show them to your=20
principal.
Leslie Williams, Librarian
California Elementary
California, MO
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************
Please post a HIT to this as I am sure I will be faced with the same
thing this year.
Thanks.
Carole
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************
I have worked in a library now for 2 years that is tiled, it used to be =
the home ec cottage. I have not found it that much noiser, it is easier =
to clean and for certain areas I have put carpet squares and small =
throws. Carpet is nice but not essential.
Don
---
Librarian
1100 Mississippi
Crystal City, MO
636-937-2005 ext. 1105
school email pippind@crystal.k12.mo.us
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************
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