renovation HISTORY, TIMEline And progress!
The Lee Public library Board of Trustees began working on plans to renovate the library building in 2019. Since the goal has been to work with existing funds and not burden the town with more taxation through a bond vote, the trustees agreed to tackle the renovation in stages as money became available through warrant articles, grants and private donations.
The phases include the Schoolhouse; finishing and insulating the basement and installing a small lift so that it is accessible to all; and re-configuring the center of the library so that the staff work stations and circulation desk are closer to the entrance. Eventually, a small vestibule ADA-accessible entrance will be added as well as an addition. |
The first phase of the renovation includes the Schoolhouse portion. Built in 1897, it served as one of the town's one-room schoolhouses until 1954, when Lee joined the Oyster River Cooperative School District. In 1962, the town moved the schoolhouse to the town center so it could serve as the town library. The Greek Revival style of the schoolhouse remains unchanged and the schoolhouse was placed on the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places in January, 2021. In early 2023, the trustees had enough funds to begin the renovation!
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November 2, 2023
The schoolhouse siding is now complete and the electrical work is well underway!
The schoolhouse siding is now complete and the electrical work is well underway!
November 13, 2023
Behind the scenes the basement is undergoing a transformation... we're shoring up the floor to the schoolhouse!
Behind the scenes the basement is undergoing a transformation... we're shoring up the floor to the schoolhouse!
December 14, 2023
The sheetrock is almost finished... It's starting to look like a room again!
The sheetrock is almost finished... It's starting to look like a room again!
January 10, 2024
The first coat of urethane has been applied and it looks amazing already!
The first coat of urethane has been applied and it looks amazing already!
February 1, 2024
The painting is coming along nicely and the new light fittings are underway.
The painting is coming along nicely and the new light fittings are underway.
February 27, 2024
The children's room is almost finished and it's looking amazing! We're now just waiting for the acoustical clouds to arrive.
The children's room is almost finished and it's looking amazing! We're now just waiting for the acoustical clouds to arrive.
March 19, 2024
The acoustic clouds arrived and were installed, the children's room is officially finished!
The acoustic clouds arrived and were installed, the children's room is officially finished!
Now... on to phase 2!
February 29, 2024
We have emptied the circulation room, and cleared the elevator space... We're ready to begin again!
We have emptied the circulation room, and cleared the elevator space... We're ready to begin again!
April 3, 2024
The elevator shaft is being drywalled and the directors office is taking shape!
The elevator shaft is being drywalled and the directors office is taking shape!
See more pictures in our slideshow below!
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