Preserving a Community Treasure: AJS Masonry Restores Gloversville Public Library

The Gloversville Public Library, a centerpiece of community life for over a century, recently underwent vital exterior restoration to preserve its historic beauty and structural integrity. With support from the Friends of the Library Celebration Fundraiser and a grant from the New York State Division of Library Development, the library was able to hire AJS Masonry, Inc. to perform expert masonry restoration on this 111-year-old building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

AJS Masonry’s scope of work focused on both cleaning and structural preservation. The project included:

• Chemical cleaning of the entire building façade to remove decades of environmental staining and restore the natural color and texture of the original materials

• Masonry repointing using historically appropriate mortar blends to repair joints and improve long-term weather resistance

• Installation of protective netting along the terra-cotta and stone entranceway, safeguarding fragile decorative elements from further deterioration

The work required both sensitivity and technical precision, ensuring that the building’s historic character remained intact while meeting current preservation standards. AJS’s skilled restoration team worked efficiently and respectfully to maintain public access and minimize disruption throughout the process.

This project reflects AJS Masonry’s ongoing commitment to historic preservation in New York State, particularly for civic and cultural institutions. From libraries and churches to academic buildings, AJS delivers restoration solutions that protect the past while preparing these landmarks for the future.