After almost eight months of renovations, HVAC construction at C.H. Booth Library is nearly complete. One of the renovations as a result of upgrades to the HVAC system is the reinstating of the original boardroom that was built in the 1930s.

Those who have either volunteered with the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library or have donated to the Friends have seen this original boardroom before, as it was a storage and sorting area for donated books and media. The Friends are going to resume operations at C.H. Booth Library soon.

C.H. Booth Library Director Jenn Nash said the boardroom will be “a space that will significantly enhance community engagement and collaboration.” She noted there was a lack of public meeting spaces in town and hopes that this newly updated room can offer an additional space to host meetings.

“There is a clear and ongoing need in the community, as there simply is not enough meeting space in town for nonprofit organizations and municipal committees to gather and meet on a regular basis," Nash said. "The updated room will feature a board-style table designed to accommodate meetings of up to 20 people, making it an ideal setting for nonprofit organizations and municipal groups."

Elaine Corbo, president of the library's Board of Trustees, said, “I am very excited for the reconfiguration of the first floor plan in the 1932 section of the library building. The library boardroom on the first floor is getting updates that will allow our community to be able to utilize that area for meetings and events which has not been accessible to the public for quite some time. It is my understanding that there is a strong need for meeting spaces in town and the library boardroom on the first floor will be the perfect place for an additional location to hold community meetings or gatherings.”

Nash continued, explaining that the room will also have a TV for presentations and new gimbal lighting has been installed to spotlight artwork. The room has its own access, too, making it an ideal space for meetings that may run later than regular library hours. The area is in the process of being deep cleaned and the library hopes to open the space soon.

As she walked around the room, Nash detailed her aesthetic plans for the room, which include plastering two walls and ship lapping the other two. The fireplace in the room is going to be refaced, and bathroom upgrades may be coming to the 1930s style restroom. While Nash hopes to keep the original marble stall doors, the bathroom has to be able to support those with disabilities per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Nash hopes to continuously improve C.H. Booth Library, including “reimagining” the parking lot, keeping the Friends’ donations operation in mind.

There is no official unveiling date for the new room, but Nash hinted that it is coming sooner rather than later, and she hopes to have the Friends back in the library quickly. When the space is officially open, patrons will be able to reserve it for meetings like the study rooms on the third floor through the website, chboothlibrary.org.

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Reporter Sam Cross can be reached at sam@thebee.com.