2/14/03

AU LIBRARY FIRE SHUTTERS TO BE REPLACE IN CONSTRUCTION

AUBURN -- Work will begin on Monday (Feb. 17) to install new fire shutters in the atrium of Auburn University's four-floor Ralph Brown Draughon Library.

To meet fire codes, the atrium must have large metal shutters that automatically close in the event of a fire to prevent smoke or flames from spreading from floor-to-floor.

The shutters are being replaced because after fire drills, the manually cranked shutters have become increasingly difficult to reopen.

Library officials say the new shutters should be less obtrusive than the old "garage door" type shutters.In addition, the new shutters will be easy to open once an all-clear is given following a fire alarm, allowing the atrium area windows to actually be windows.

Work will begin on the ground floor of the library on Monday and advance to the fourth floor by June. The project is not expected to be completed until at least November.

During construction, the stairwell in the atrium will be closed beginning on the ground floor and advancing upward as work progresses. The glass elevator in the atrium will remain open and available for use during the entire project.

All departments and floors of the library will remain open and available for use, including Stack's Café. The ground floor conference room will be unavailable, starting Monday.

Most of the work should occur between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays.

For additional information, go to the RBD Library website and click on the "construction" button in the top left corner.

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feb03:AU-library