Haverhill Corner residents and friends have seen a lot of uncharacteristic activity around the library beginning Wednesday of this week. You are probably wondering what gives. Here's an explanation. Don't hesitate to share it.
Background:
Those who visit Haverhill Library comment on its historic charm. They are intrigued with its history and feel welcomed by our friendly librarian. The 180 year old building feels rock solid and appears well preserved, yet closer observation reveals some sagging floors and bookcases pulling away from walls. The weight of books over the last 105 years has taken its toll on framing and foundations.
Outside, the Federal-style brick building with slate roof still appears sound, yet the roof, not yet leaking, requires repair, and brick walls need repointing and cleaning. Locals miss the building’s shutters, removed three years ago due to disrepair.
For years, the library has struggled with space concerns and accessibility. Space for research, study and meetings is very limited. The single “water closet” is not handicapped accessible or family friendly and the septic tank must be replaced. Private space for public access computers is unsatisfactory.
Last spring the library undertook a historic building conditions assessment, financed in part by a grant from the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance. The resulting architectural report includes recommendations for rehabilitating the building in several phases, all consistent with its historic preservation.
Last fall the library was awarded a rehabilitation grant from the NH Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) to address what we consider to be the highest priority structural issues for our library. This “Phase I” project will only address the first floor framing and foundation issues to stabilize the building. The Library will be addressing the building’s external issues (roof, external walls, etc) in “Phase II” beginning next year. A future “Phase III” will address repair and preservation of the main floor of the library and Phase VI will address the library’s space needs with an addition for new stairs and an elevator to the second floor and a new accessible rest room.
Current Status
Due to COVID, our library is closed except for curbside pick-ups or returns--Nanci, our librarian, is in Tuesdays (10-2) and Thursdays (3-7) to take care of book requests and Inter Library Loans. To prepare for the project work, library volunteers moved our non-fiction and local history collection from the Adult Vault Room to storage, (Thanks to all who contributed!)
Now we've contracted with American Barn & Building (AB&B) for Phase 1 work on first floor framing and foundations as approved by LCHIP and local officials (building permit). In order to preserve historic flooring and to minimize the disruption to library operations, AB&B is undertaking the repair from the cramped crawl space under the building. Their access is through the south window of the vault room, and down an access hole cut in the floor of the vault. It's exacting work and we are confident that it's being done right to last into the next century. When repairs are complete insulation and a vapor barrier will be installed (currently in the trailer parked on the lawn.)
If you have questions or would like to know more about our project, please contact me.
Best to all;
Joe Kirkpatrick
