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!
Picture

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! ​
Picture

October 12, 2023
The interior demolition and hazmat mitigation
is complete.
Picture


​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, 2023
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!
January 8, 2024
The paint primer is on and the floors have been started...
It's looking good!

The floor is on schedule to be finished by Jan 15.
January 10, 2024
The first coat of urethane has been applied and it looks amazing already!  
January 17, 2024
The window trim is being refurbished and is starting to come along nicely.
​January 19, 2024
Check out the beginnings of our craft sink area, it's looking beautiful... Plus they are starting on the restroom!
January 20, 2024
Our front door has been removed for restoration. We can't wait to see it come back!
February 1, 2024
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.
March 19, 2024
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!
March 6, 2024
Demo has started and temp walls are going up! Even though our collection is a little scattered, we are still open for your daily library needs. 
March 21, 2024
The Director's office is being built, temp walls have been installed, the electricians are hard at work and progress is being made on the lift shaft!
April 3, 2024
The elevator shaft is being drywalled and the directors office is taking shape! 
April 30, 2024
Walls were prepped and painted, just waiting for flooring and Hayley's office door and windows, then it's on the the next half of the room!
May 15, 2024
Work began in the adult room! Clearing stacks and storing shelving... phew, it took some muscle!
May 23, 2024
The floor in the circulation room was finished and we moved back into our temporary space for the next few months! 
May 31, 2024
The basement is emptied and ready to go. 
July 12, 2024
The elevator is in, the electrics are almost complete and the basement is primed and ready to paint... we're almost there! 
July 30, 2024
​The basement is unrecognizable! New walls, windows, flooring, lights and elevator access... Almost ready for our collection to go back! The adult room and stairs flooring is also almost finished. 
August 17, 2024
We are finally finished! Come on over and check out your new Lee Public Library!

See more pictures in our slideshow below!