They were lifting weights and fingering knitting needles at the Warwick Public Library Tuesday morning.

Those are not library programs, but during the month of August Pilgrim Senior Center activities have been operating out of the library while tile flooring at the senior center is ripped up and replaced with new floor tiles in the corridors and carpet tiles in certain offices.

As of Tuesday, contractors from M. Frank Higgins in Berlin, Connecticut appeared to be on track to complete the job this month thereby enabling the center to be fully operational after the Labor Day weekend. Combining activities has worked to the benefit of both the senior center and the library.

Kathleen Bohl, senior center programs director, has found some library patrons believing they wouldn’t be permitted to could join Zumba dances held in the Idea Studio just inside the main entrance because they’re too young and then pleasantly surprised to learn they are eligible since they are 55 or older. She said other library patrons have picked up the senior center program and said they will be stopping at the center once it reopens.

Bohl reported that so far this month 204 non duplicated center members had participated in center programs at the library. Center membership is $5 a year for Warwick residents and $7 for nonresidents. Program fees cover the cost of instructors and vary from a couple of dollars and more depending on materials and supplies needed. Some classes such as Zumba and beginner workout are free. Those classes are sponsored by Rhode Island Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Library Executive Director Aaron Coutu is pleased with how the joint use of the library has worked out. While it has meant opening new parking areas, not only are library rooms being used but people are learning about library programs and services.

The center has been able to maintain its five-days a week meal program during the temporary residence at the library. Grab and go meals are prepared at the center kitchen, which has remained operational along with an administrative office, and are distributed curbside at the center. Bohl said about 20 meals are distributed daily. The meals have a “suggested donation” of $3.  Meals are delivered via Transwick, which has remained operational during the center shutdown, to those members who lack the transportation to pick them up.

“It seemed overwhelming initially,” Meg Underwood, city director of senior services, said of closing the center for a month. She credits Bohl and Coutu for pulling everything together, “they have worked so hard…the seniors haven’t missed out… my amazing staff and fantastic volunteers worked hard for days to pack up the offices, gift shop, and classrooms. My staff has been incredibly flexible with this temporary move!”

Underwood is excited by the “refreshed and warmer welcoming look” of the center with luxury vinyl plank replacing 1990 era tiles and a new front desk. The flooring job, costing $104,000, is being paid for with ARPA funds, she said.

Pondering the return of senior programs to the senior center, Coutu said, “It’s going to be a ghost town around here.”

Then reflecting, he added, “[They have] added an extra level of excitement and life to the library.”