The country’s oldest tax-supported public library is getting an update.
The project will take place over the next four years and make the library a more usable for functions and businesspeople. The plan is to improve its space efficiency and access to technology.
Library director Corinne Chronopoulos said, “We not getting new envelopes and building stacks of books, a library is much more than that.”
On Monday, Aug. 29, she addressed a group of nearly 20 to discuss the ways the improved library would benefit the local business community.
The new library will have a meeting center that can seat 125 people, which planners hope will bring conferences and large functions to Peterborough.
The building will barely change in size, but due to a more space efficient layout will have about 6,000 more usable square footage.
“Square footage doesn’t change that much but we have lots of space here that isn’t usable or accessible,” Chronopoulos said. Tina Kriebel, a community leader who is part of the planning group, added, “It’s still right sized, but it’s about usable space.”
The outdoor property will be redesigned as well, and the building will better integrate with its scenic, river-side location.
In addition to businesses and remote workers, Chronopoulos said the plan is about “taking back the after school hours” with teen activities and tutoring programs.
The new spaces will generate revenue, with a price structure pro-rated to benefit students and non-profits.
The library is applying for a Community Development Finance Authority grant, and will hear back in May 2017.
The library will relocate, hopefully to another downtown location, in 2018, and the new library is scheduled to open in 2020.