They say an old home has many stories to tell. Our old “home” that we now call Whitefield Library & Community Center, could certainly speak volumes just about these past three years. It has taken on a whole new “life” by opening its doors and offering what is within right back to its community. The story of the past three years would be about its struggle to organize and structure an association, to build “library”, and to design services that match our volunteers’ time and our patrons’ interests. The story would include the mistakes made along the way, as well as the “celebrations” of accomplishments enjoyed by each one of us after a summer of sharing books and entertainment.
When we purchased our 135 year old building, we knew it needed “work” if we were going to reach our goal to be a year-round community library and “gathering space”. We gradually learned what that “work” actually represented; quite daunting to be sure, but we never doubted that we could do it with loads of support and commitment from folks both near and far. We remain continually grateful to all who have contributed to our vision in immeasurable ways; from bringing your children to surround our Story Hour teller, borrowing our books, giving us books, and to every single person who has given their time and talent without asking for anything in return…we are grateful! There has been an amazing generosity of spirit at this “home”over the past three years.
The next chapter of this old yellow building’s story includes “fixing it up” so we can use the library during the chilly days of winter; so we can use ALL of our building; including the beautiful 2nd floor. The unbelievable financial support from so many individuals has allowed us to now begin Phase 1 of our renovation. We will increase strength to the structure of the building by adding new beams and posts and repairing old floor joists, and we will add fire stops for safety. This will permit us to use the upstairs. Being closed for the summer has allowed us to securely pack up the books and furnishing, and the dirty work of demolition of the first floor has begun. Ceiling tiles and ductwork have come down, paneling has been removed, and many very old chalkboards painted on plaster have been revealed (history tells us there was a high school here when the building was new, and we now see the evidence). We will install new electrical fixtures, insulation in the ceiling and walls, drywall on the ceiling (and walls if the old plaster does not look healthy) and new propane heaters to replace the old oil furnace. With all of that done, we will be ready to move on to Phase 2. We may not be able to complete everything that we need in Phase 2, but with the recent charitable kindness from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, with that substantial gift, we can at least begin Phase 2. This phase includes a new bathroom, kitchenette, and office space. The condition of our “home’s” exterior is pretty obvious and we will need new clapboards on the south wall, which is where we will build a new emergency fire escape for the 2nd floor. Doesn’t this sound like a busy summer? It will be, but we are so appreciative to finally be at this point. It has been similar to dumping Aunt Elsie’s 1000 (half inch) puzzle pieces on the floor and trying to find the square edges to begin the challenge. We finally have the “edges”, and we can hardly wait to invite you in to see the masterpiece.
Meanwhile, come take a peek anytime. Also, your expertise, labor, and $ donation will always be welcome. You’ll see us around town promoting our little library and community center (a table at Town Meeting, sponsoring a little community “event” here and there throughout the summer, and selling a community calendar that everyone once loved hanging on their walls). We still have fundraising to do to keep the lights on and to pay our bills, so join us in this little “story” of building our community library and “gathering space”. It’s a special spot in town, and we are thankful to be adding to its story.
