The Hudson Board of Selectmen revisited the long running question of what to do with the historic Hills Memorial Library building during its most recent meeting, taking a significant step toward shifting responsibility for the structure from the Library Trustees to the Town.
Town Administrator Roy Sorenson opened the discussion with a detailed memo outlining the building’s complicated history and the years of debate surrounding its use and stewardship.
“As you know, there has been extended discussion over the past year on the Hills Memorial Library and best uses for the building,” Sorenson wrote, noting that the issue stretches back far longer than the current Board. “These discussions have garnered passionate debate much longer than the past year, with several Board of Selectmen meetings since 2008 inquiring about how to proceed.”
For decades, the Hills building has technically remained under the authority of the Library Trustees, who were designated as agents to expend funds from the Hills Memorial Library Capital Reserve Fund, created at the 2021 Town Meeting. Sorenson said that while the Trustees have historically viewed the building through the lens of library operations, the reality of its maintenance needs suggests a different approach.
“Time has shown us that the more appropriate application of care for the building should be that of the Town,” he explained.
Sorenson cautioned that determining the full scope of the building’s history, obligations, and financial needs will take time.
“This endeavor will take some time to investigate all deeds, documents, expenses, and agreements that are in place for the building,” he said. “However, the administrative work which is readily identifiable can begin now.”
During the meeting, Selectman Heidi Jakoby shared observations from her recent walkthrough of the building. Despite concerns raised in past years about mold and air quality, Jakoby said she found the interior to be in good condition.
“I also found that even the air quality was very good throughout the building, just so that the public knows,” she said.
Jakoby also thanked the Library staff for their ongoing care of the structure.
“I want to thank them for their care in the entire process, and all the efforts that the library staff put into keeping that building in the shape that it is in.”
After discussion, the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to direct the Town Administrator to begin meeting with the Library Trustees to initiate the transfer of maintenance responsibilities for the Hills Memorial Library building to the Town. The goal is to have the transition reflected in the Fiscal Year 2028 budget.
The Board also instructed Sorenson to meet with all current users of the building; including, but not limited to, the Hudson Historical Society; to develop a strategic plan for the building’s future use. That plan will be presented to the Board for consideration once complete.
The next meeting of the Hudson Board of Selectmen is scheduled for July 14 at 7 p.m.
