Your Library, Renewed!

This year the Library embarks on comprehensive and much-needed building repairs and improvements. We ask for your patience and support in the upcoming days and months as projects are completed. We would like to thank the Champlin Foundation, members of the Exeter Town Council, and all of you for making our work possible.

Projects

• New HVAC System
• New Roof
• New Carpet
• New Automatic Door Openers
• Restored Windows & Entrance

Sources of Funding

• $189k - American Rescue Plan Act
• $172k - Champlin Foundation
• $2,500 - Paul V. Sherlock Center
• $0 - Cost to Residents

New Gutters & Awnings

Timeframe: In Progress

In November 2023, new gutters were installed around the front half of the building, in order to prevent snowmelt from freezing over the sidewalks in the wintertime. We're exploring options for installing awnings over the staff entrance and Program Room door to further shelter the doorways during storms.

This project is made possible by Champlin funds.

New Automatic Door Openers

Timeframe: Completed January 2024

The transponder and antenna for our outside door openers were replaced. The inside foyer doors were equipped with new automatic door openers and push plates.

This project is made possible by a grant from the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities, with additional funds provided by the Library Board.

New Carpet

Timeframe: Completed January 2024. 

Original to the building, our carpet was past its lifespan, heavily worn and, in some places, heavily stained. In January 2024, the carpet throughout the building was replaced with new carpet tiles. The foyer carpet was replaced with heavy duty matting. Karpet Klinic performed the work.

This project is made possible by Champlin funds.

New Roof

Timeframe: Completed June 2023.

Our roof was past its lifespan and a small leak had developed during torrential rains. In addition, lack of gutters means that areas of the sidewalk sometimes iced over with snowmelt dripping from the roof in the wintertime. The new roof was installed by Couto Construction using premium materials, including Owens Corning shingles with a 50-year manufacturer's warranty. Later this summer, gutters will be installed around the front of the library, as well as aluminum awnings over the side doors into the building. We expect this to fully address the issue with the sidewalk in the wintertime.

This project is made possible by Champlin funds.

New HVAC System

Timeframe: Completed June 2023.

Our existing system is original to the building and many components have malfunctioned or broken down in recent years. Cold weather events are especially a challenge as we have had to close the building due to inadequate heat. The new system was installed by J Zarrella Plumbing & Heating Co, with controls by ENE Systems. It will heat and cool the building more efficiently, creating a more comfortable library environment and leading to savings in repairs and energy costs.

This project is made possible by American Rescue Plan Act Funds.

Restored Windows and Entrance

Timeframe: Completed June 2023.

Our windows are made of mahogany and, in their original condition, absolutely beautiful. However, over the years, the varnish on the outside had badly deteriorated and the wood was completely exposed and damaged in many areas. With this project, the interior windows were lightly refinished to enhance the beautiful appearance of the varnished mahogany. Outside, the windows were sanded, primed, and painted using premium products. Painting the windows protects the wood that is already damaged and will vastly reduce the maintenance and refinishing costs in the long run.

This project is made possible by Champlin funds.