ROCKINGHAM — A vote on a proposed $2.95 million bond to fund a restoration project on the Rockingham Free Public Library is scheduled at a special town meeting on May 17.
An information session will be held on Monday, May 9, at 7 p.m., at the library to explain the need for the project.
Library staff are also giving tours on Monday, May 9, at 6 p.m., and Wednesday, May 11, at 10 a.m., so voters can see the extent of the work needed. Stop by the library to reserve a spot on the tour, or call 802-463-4270.
The library, which has been considering the project for the past two years, wants to make energy efficiency upgrades, install a new alarm and sprinkler system, and make other repairs to the 102-year-old building.
The need for repairs took on a new urgency when a pipe burst in December, heavily damaging the library's Local History Room, and causing water damage to an adjacent reading room, as well as to the youth department and the adjacent basement area downstairs.
If the bond request is approved by voters, work would begin early next year.
The vote on the library repairs takes place at the same time that a second vote is being held on a proposed $10.5 million bond to renovate the Bellows Falls Middle School. That measure was narrowly defeated by voters on March 1.
If approved, the 20-year bond for the library would add 4.6 cents per $100 of assessed value to the town property tax rate.