GREENLAND -- Weeks Public Library leaders have design plans for a proposed $3.5 million expansion and renovation project ready to present to the public.
A forum is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4 at Central School.
Built in 1897 at 1,260 square feet, the library was a donation from Caroline Avery Weeks and was last renovated in 1977, when revenue sharing funds were used to convert an old dirt-floor basement into a children’s room. Marcia McLaughlin, chairwoman of the Library Trustees, said delivering 21st century library services today in a 19th century building has its limitations.
The proposed design maintains Weeks’ historic building but updates the interior. The expansion would add 9,000 square feet, including an entrance ramp for handicap accessibility, bringing the library into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The current shelving aisles, single restroom, main entrance and downstairs children’s section are not wheelchair accessible.
Library Director Denise Grimse said the renovation would allow the building to hold multiple programs and meetings without the need to displace a service. It would also increase the number of computers and restrooms available and gain space for the collections to grow. Children and teens come into the library after school daily, Grimse said, but the current teen section is just one aisle. The staff have to pull older books for newer ones and rotate collections seasonally, and because of limited space they’re unable to stock some books. The addition would give the staff more room to work as well.
“Imagine having to wrap a Christmas present on your lap,” Grimse said of the current book processing space.
Central School and Greenland Community Congregational Church agreed to an expanded parking lot that will provide all three entities additional parking and plans call for a path connecting the library to the school.
“The library is so much more than for books,” McLaughlin said, referring to the many audiobooks, DVDs and the space they require.
McLaughlin and Grimse said the idea for the renovation came after a 2015 meeting, when, she said, residents said they wanted the town’s capital reserve funds retained for the library. Grimse said they immediately came up with a plan and have since worked on the design with Ron Lamarre of Lavallee and Brensinger Architects.
“People who come in are eager for it to happen,” said Grimse, adding library leaders are eager to hear what community members say at Monday’s forum.
A $2.9 million bond is being proposed for the project as funds in excess of $600,000 have already been set aside. The trustees hope to add the expansion project to the town’s March 2018 ballot. If approved, construction could begin next September with a proposed one-year construction schedule.
Town Administrator Karen Anderson said the project would need approval from 60 percent of voters to pass, adding “Greenland is in a difficult time right now.” Anderson said there are competing financial demands in the town, such as the need for a fire station and road repairs, but “the (library) proposal is beautiful.”
Anderson said a public hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 9 before the Budget Committee decides whether to recommend the library article. For information, call the library at (603) 436-8548 stop by at 36 Post Road or visit weekslibrary.org.