Overview

Several years ago the Library Trustees identified deficiencies in the current Stowell building donated over 100 years ago. An Exploratory Committee was formed to evaluate the issues and create recommendations. During this time an offer was made by Colleen O’Neill to donate the vacant building formerly known as the Cornish General Store to be renovated and used as a new Library and Community Center. The Cornish Community Initiative supports this course of action and has offered to facilitate the property transfer as well as capital fundraising campaign and renovations. Warrant articles and agreements have been drafted to ensure there is no cost to the residents of Cornish for this process, and the CCI would gather the $2.5M+ required for the renovation and oversee that multi year process, at the conclusion of which the building is handed over to the town of Cornish. As of the March 2023 town meeting, Cornish voted to accept this project.

Outside View
Outside View

Recent Updates

All recent updates for the Library Project are included in the CCI monthly Newsletters:

July 2024 Newsletter
June 2024 Newsletter
May 2024 Newsletter
April 2024 Newsletter

Timeline

Following the successful town vote on the Warrant Article this year, fundraising and construction are commencing as a multi year project.

A Building Committee has been formed that includes representatives from the Library Trustees, Cornish Community Initiative, at least one Cornish citizen with experience in construction trades, and the architect.  Their scope includes refinement of the existing plan, solicitation and consideration of past and ongoing input from the community, and assurance of meeting all standards as specified in the warrant article. This Committee may be guided by a Clerk of the Works.

Library Area
Library Area
Children's Area
Children’s Area

Fundraising

The capital fundraising committee has been working hard on raising the funds needed for this project. In April 2024 we reached the $1M milestone taking us 1/3 of the way to our total goal. In addition to a number of donors large and small, grant applications have been in progress seeking additional funding from those sources. We invite you to Donate as you can using the information to the right. Donations can be made in the form of dedications if desired. Click the button to see all options available.

Note that the CCI offers no tax advice related to any donations made to our organization or projects.

$1.2M of the $3M goal raised!


Donations by check should be mailed to:
CCI Library Project
PO BOX 123
Cornish Flat, NH 03746

Checks can come from personal bank accounts, donor advised funds, and from IRAs. They should be made out to Cornish Community Initiative. Please clearly note your donation is for the Library Project on the memo line (as opposed to other CCI sponsored programs and activities for which we also accept donations).

We can also accept donations of stock. For stock donations contact treasurer@cornishci.org

Isometric Floorplan
Isometric Floorplan
Circulation Desk
Circulation Desk
Circulation Desk
Circulation Desk
Library Area
Library Area
Mezzanine View
Mezzanine View

Past Updates

April 2024

March 2024

November 2023

October 2023

August 2023

July 2023

Pre-Vote Archive