Building A Brighter Future
Welcome to the project page for the new
Cornish Library and Community Center!
We are pleased to host and facilitate this project to enhance our town.
Now more than ever…
Libraries are an invaluable community resource. The Cornish Library and Community Center is envisioned as a space where residents and patrons of every age can gather to learn, work, visit, and play.
A 21st century library is no longer just about books. It must be a flexible space that supports a community’s ever-evolving needs.
Here’s a glimpse of what we are building.
Library Features:
- A Growing library collection: The new library will allow the collection to grow by 300%, offering a wealth of books, resources, and materials for people of all ages and interests.
- A special children’s room: A fun, safe space designed for kids to explore, play, and enjoy stories and crafts.
- An energy-efficient, welcoming environment: A bright, sustainable space where everyone can feel comfortable and inspired.
- Access to technology: With public computers, Wi-Fi, and broadband internet, everyone can stay connected and have access to the tools they need.
- Comfortable, accessible facilities: The new building will have modern, ADA-compliant facilities (including parking, entry, and bathrooms), making it a space that everyone can use and enjoy.
- A designated Special Collections and Art Display area.
- A large central circulation desk to greet and serve patrons.
- Librarian office space.
- Mezzanine level for reading and study.
- Comfortable seating, natural light, coffee station
- Areas for coat and shoe storage near entrance
Community Center Features:
- A flexible community room: An open and comfortable space for meetings, events, and gatherings where everyone can feel welcomed and share experiences.
- A kitchen for community use: A space designed to support a variety of community activities, whether for shared meals, gatherings, or other events that bring us together.
- A place for local art and exhibits: A dedicated area to showcase the talent and history of our community, celebrating what makes Cornish special.
- Area for slide show presentation and storage for chairs.
- An outdoor patio and terrace for seasonal gatherings.
- Deliver programs that support the development of local small businesses.
Other Features:
- Solar panels and heat pumps to reduce energy costs
- Air conditioning during warm summer months
- Storage closet and designated Janitor’s closet
Building Together for a Brighter Future
We have been gifted a centrally located building, and now we have the opportunity to turn it into a space that truly reflects the heart of Cornish. Our goal is to raise $3 million to create this community center and library, and we’re excited to see how it will serve us all for generations to come.
This project is an opportunity to build something that works for everyone in Cornish—a place where we can come together, share ideas, and connect with our neighbors. The new library won’t just be about books; it will be a hub for our community to gather, learn, and grow.
Follow Our Journey
Stay connected with our progress as we work toward creating the Cornish Library and Community Center. Below is a brief history of the project, key milestones, and an interactive timeline to track our journey. You can explore the exciting steps we’ve taken together, including fundraising efforts, major decisions, and construction updates. You can sign up for our mailing lists on the Contact page.
A Brief History
In 2018, Cornish Library Trustees, with community input, identified challenges at the current Stowell Library, built and donated in 1910. In July 2021, an Exploratory Committee was formed to evaluate the “feasibility and advisability” of accepting a donated renovated building as a new library. With the offer of the former Cornish General Store, the Cornish Community Initiative (CCI) stepped forward to lead the fund raising, accept the building, and manage the renovation. At the March 2023 Town Meeting, Cornish voters were affirmative in accepting the offer of the new Cornish Library and Community Center, with a deadline of March 30, 2028, to complete the fund raising. Once the building is renovated and in move-in ready condition, the Town of Cornish will accept the donated library without further action by the town.
Project Costs:
The Traditional Library: …………………………..
Primary Library Space …………………………………….
Tech Area ……………………………………………………….
Children’s Room ……………………………………………..
Interior Furnishings ……………………….……………….
Expanded Collections …………………………………….
Versatile Community Space: ……………………
Community Room & Mezzanine ……………………..
Kitchen, Restrooms, Offices ……………………………
Art Display/Cornish History …………………………….
Accessible Entry & Circulation ………………………..
Energy Efficiency & Outdoor: ………………….
Solar panels …………………………………..………………
Sitework ………………………………………………………..
Patio, Landscaping & Parking …………………………
Total: …………………………………………………..
$1,240,000
$665,000
$90,000
$215,000
$220,000
$50,000
$945,000
$575,000
$217,000
$40,000
$113,000
$767,000
$67,000
$300,000
$400,000
$2,952,000
Be Part of the Change
This project is a true community effort, and we want you to be a part of it! Click the Donate button to see the ways you can contribute!
Recent Updates
All recent updates for the Library Project are included in the CCI monthly Newsletters:
A Place for Everyone in Our Community
Once the renovation is completed, and with the approval of the Cornish Library Trustees and Selectboard, the Cornish Community Initiative will donate the new library and community center to the town. This space will be ours, a place for everyone to enjoy.
Let’s Build This Together
This is a project that belongs to all of us. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are just learning about the plan, we welcome you to join us on this journey. Together, we can create a space where every member of our community—no matter who they are or where they come from—can feel at home.
Thank you for your support, your time, and your ideas. We’re looking forward to what we can build together for Cornish’s bright future.
See also our FAQ page for additional information.