Behind Every Great Community is a Great Library
Library Building Project Update
 
 
Si nce 2011 the Meredith Public Library Trustees have studied and analyzed whether they should expand and renovate the current library building or build a new building on a new site.
The historic building has significant life-safety code compliance issues . 1) T he Children's Rooms on the upper two levels do not have a safe exit in an emergency . 2) Rooms are too small to accommodate events. 3) No sprinkler system.
The building d oes not meet numerous criteria laid out in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any renovations will require the entire building to meet all ADA requirements.
There is not enough parking, which is the number one complaint by library users .

These needs and others were
shared with the community via public meetings and surveys in 2014. The result ; the public wanted to know the cost difference between expanding and renovating in the current library space versus building a new building on a new site. The trustees hired experts who prepared reports (all can be check ed out of the library ) .

Library Consultant Tom Ladd estimated in a community of our size with our usage, we would need a 14,000 square foot building (current building is 7,800 square feet) with room for a minimum of forty parking spaces , and we s hould acquire 3-4 acres of land to
meet future expansion needs.   Consulting Architect Ron Lamarre of Lavallee Brensinger gave the trustees the following two options:
 
Option 1: Renovate and Expand at Current Site   
Cost: $5,600,000 (does not include land acquisition, historic renovation or off-site development costs)
  •  Restoring and retrofitting older buildings costs a minimum of 25% more than building new.
  •  Extra cost for temporary housing while building is
    renovated
  •  May need two elevators
  •  Library would be expanded into current parking lot.
  •  Baptist Church next door is not for sale for at least five to ten years (already waited five years to learn this.)
  •  Current library lot plus abutting neighbor lots which may or not be for sale total one acre of land.

Option 2: New Building on New Site
Cost: $4,200,000 (does not include land acquisition or off-site development costs)
  •  14,000 square feet x $300 for project
  •  Everything on one level
  •  3-4 acres of land for future expansion needs
  •  Space for a minimum of 40 parking spaces
  •  Will need solution for repurposing historic library building
 
Trustee Decision
In 2016 the trustees hosted eight public meetings to discuss these options and distributed a second round of surveys to attendees asking for their opinion. Based on feedback from the meetings, results of the surveys and information gathered from numerous experts, the trustees voted for Option 2: New Building on a New Site for the following reasons:
  •  Cost savings of a minimum of $1,400,000
  •  Ability to acquire 3-4 acres of land to accommodate future expansion
  •  Flexibility of architect to design a building that can be adaptable as library user needs change
  •  A building that is twice as a big as current space yet cost as much or less in energy usage
  •  Building all on one level to allow for less staffing; the library can open an extra day without having to hire more staff
  •  New building costs less in maintenance annually than historic building

We want your feedback. Please contact:
Email: erin@meredithlibrary.org
Phone: 603-279-4303
Mail: Meredith Public Library
PO Box 808
Meredith, NH 03253
 
Website: meredithlibraryfaq.weebly.com
 
 
Friends of the Library Book Sale
The Friends of the Library will be hosting its final book sale for 2016, Thursday, August 25 from 2:00 - 8:00, Friday, August 26 from 9:00 - 4:30, Saturday, August 27th from 9:00 - 1:00. If you are interested in volunteering with our upcoming Book Sale please contact Jean Dougan at 279-3059.

On Your Mark, Get Set, Read!  Children's Summer Reading

Books in Bike Basket
Stop by the library to sign up for Children's Summer Reading. Fill in your log and win an amazing goodie bag!  There are so many events planned, please be sure to pick up a brochure when you register so you don't miss a thing. 

TOT TIME READING CIRCLE
Friday mornings from 10:00 to 11:00 Ages 0 to 3
Join us in the function room for stories, puppet friends and beautiful artwork created by you! This is a fun, friendly group of parents & kids! Snacks & Coffee
Special Guest Readers visiting this summer!
No Tot Time on Friday, August 26 due to book sale!

August 11, Aladdin 2-3:00PM Inter-Lakes Summer Theater Presents a PEEK at the up-coming summer show. Visit the library on the for stories, songs, crafts & snacks!

Get in the Game, Read! Teen Summer Reading

Sneakers on Books
Sign up for the Teen Reading Challenge(ages 8-18) in the Children's Room to enter weekly prize raffles.  Lots of exciting events this summer:

Outdoor Quidditch Match, Wed, 8/3, 3:30-4:30PM
End of Summer Reading Sat, 8/13 
 
 
See what's happening on our social sites: