The public is invited to join the Tucker Free Library Trustees and the Friends of Tucker Free Library on Oct. 27 at 2 p.m., as SMP Architects will be on hand to share the latest design for the library building project. The project includes adding an elevator to improve accessibility for all to all levels of the library, adding additional, ADA compliant bathrooms to increase safety and accessibility to those facilities, and renovating the attic (the last viable space in the building) for programs. Following SMP Architects’ presentation, there will be time to ask questions, make comments, and suggestions.
At the 2018 town meeting, the town appropriated $10,500 to hire an architect to begin to study and plan for the project. In 2019, an additional sum of $70,000 was appropriated to generate more detailed plans so the project cost could be more accurately calculated. Milestone Construction has been hired to complete pre-construction estimating and project phasing. GeoTech studies and property surveys have been completed. Additionally, the Friends of the Tucker Free Library have reorganized and now have nonprofit, tax-exempt 501c3 status and will support project fundraising. A small building committee has been created and includes Henniker residents Theodore Kupper and Jon Routon.
SMP Architects will have a project cost estimate at the Oct. 27 meeting. Past meetings with SMP Architects can be seen on the library website at tuckerfreelibrary.org/building-project-archive.
Additional Tucker Free Library Board of Trustees members include John Capuco, Deb Kreutzer, Angelica Ladd, and Anne Crotti.