MADRID - Five years away from its centennial, Madrid Hepburn Library is putting together a plan to renovate the Church Street landmark in time for its 100th anniversary.

Library Board Chairwoman Laura K. Mcgrath said the 1917 building is in need of an assortment of interior and exterior repairs, starting literally at the top.

“The most pressing issue is the roof,” she said, adding that window repair and electrical work are needed.

All of the improvements, Mrs. Mcgrath emphasized, will be done while “maintaining the historical integrity of the building.”

The board plans to apply for a grant from the New York State Library Construction Fund. Exactly how much will be sought but there is already an indicator in a 2007 conditions assessment report done by Syracuse architect Randall T. Crawford that put the total cost at $500,000.

“We’ll have the preliminary estimates in the next few weeks,” Mrs. Mcgrath said.

The application is due next month.

Mr. Crawford knows libraries. He is guiding the Ogdensburg Public Library through its current renovations and helping to shape its five-year plan.

Mrs. Mcgrath already has one estimate. It will cost $1,300 to repair a decorative window at the church. That, according to stained glass window restoration expert Edward Dehors. He recently repaired a 94-year-old stained glass window at nearby United Church of Madrid.

Mrs. Mcgrath and the board are also considering the establishment of a “Friends of the Library” support group for fund raising in support of library activities.

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