Concord Library Director Todd Fabian has reported that the Penacook Branch Library will remain closed due to the facility limitations that prevent providing a safe environment for staff and patrons. Meanwhile, the turnout was great this summer when Library staff were able to safely trial outdoor story times at Rolfe Park. There are plans to try to figure out a creative way to provide services in the winter. Property near Penacook Village that becomes available has been visited for a new Penacook branch location, but nothing suitable has been found.
With this backdrop the City is facing potentially over $450,000 of repairs to the existing branch building, which even if repaired has limitations as to size, accessibility, and parking. The costs include:
Boiler and piping abatement/replacement = $40,000
Ramp replacement and repair of other accessibility issues = $120,000
Roof replacement = $125,000
Chimney repair = $10,000
HVAC repairs = $45,000
General building repairs = $117,000
An independent assessment was conducted outlining some of these costs, which you can read here. The Library Trustees will be discussing this at their December 6th meeting. They will make a recommendation on the best path forward, which the City Council will then discuss. Look for an update before the plan reaches that point.