The electricians removed cobbles from the basement in order to install ductwork. The cobbles would have been taken from the east branch AuSable River, which runs just east of the library. This is the area where the 1923 addition meets the main reading room. A lot of structural problems are in this area, which is why the shake was removed. Dave, Dave and Bernie have pulled out a light to inspect the insulation above the rear area of the library.
Old insulation is piled up like a snow drift, awaiting removal.
The light colored block of wood was the only thing attached to the center beam above the 1923 addition, right above the circulation desk doorway. Somehow, the roof never collapsed. Jack nails new beams in place over the 1923 addition. The center beam in the previous photo has been removed. Note all the new light-colored bracing designed to stabilize the roof.