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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August 2023.
The decision was made by the trustees and approved by the Select Board to upgrade the electrical pole and relocate the electrical connections to the library underground. In late August a trench was dug and the wires were buried. The actual connections will be completed at a later date. The trustees wish to thank Orion Tree Service for removing the Larch tree near the pole.

September 2023.
With work scheduled to begin in October, the staff began to clear out the schoolhouse and with the help of the trustees and the town's Public Works department, move the bookcases and furniture. Some went downstairs to the basement; the remainder is being stored in the town clerk's former office space.
     The library has been given permission to continue to use the Old Town Hall for programming during the renovation -- children's story times and adult programs such as book club and knitting as well as programs the library sponsors with other town groups such as Recreation and Historical will be able to continue uninterrupted.

October 2023.
Before the actual work on the schoolhouse itself can begin, hazardous materials must be mitigated. The existing clapboards were rotting and needed to be replaced; lead paint was found in some areas. There is asbestos in the vermiculite insulation in the attic as well as on the walls. The mitigation work began on Monday, October 2 and will continue for the next several weeks. Reinforcing the schoolhouse floor will start the last week of October.
October 5, 2023
We are ready for work inside to commence! ​
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October 12, 2023.
The interior demolition and hazmat mitigation
is complete.
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​October 18, 2023. 
New electrical box and meter installed, more interior demolition inside the schoolhouse and new, primed  clapboards are being installed. And don't forget: we're open during renovations!
November 2, 2023.
The schoolhouse siding is now complete and the electrical work is well underway! 
November 10, 2023.
The insulation work has begun and it's certainly warming up in the library building. 
November 13
Behind the scenes the basement is undergoing a transformation... we're shoring up the floor to the schoolhouse! 

See more pictures in our slideshow below!