For the first time, the Rodgers Memorial Library Board of Trustees held their September meeting in a new location, following their recent decision to step back from active management of the Hills Memorial Library building and transfer oversight to the Town of Hudson. The transition officially took effect back on Sept. 1, however the details of how the building will be managed are still yet to be finalized.
Library Trustee Chair Karen Bohrer and Library Director Linda Pilla recently met with Hudson Town Administrator Roy Sorenson to clarify the building’s status and share historical documentation.
“Roy was given documents and meeting minutes from when Hills was given to the town, information compiled on expenses, and anything we had on that,” explained Bohrer. “Roy went away with a lot of stuff.”
Sorenson, along with Town Engineer Elvis Dhima, is currently inspecting the historic building to identify any maintenance or regulatory issues that may arise.
“Are there any sort of upcoming issues or leaking that could come up in the future?” asked Trustee Ali Rafieymehr.
Pilla reported that the inspections found the building to be in good condition overall, though the oil tank and boiler received particular attention.
“The tank is okay – it doesn’t need to be inspected by New Hampshire Environmental Services because of its size. It’s a small, encapsulated tank,” she said. “The condition of the tank is good, and they’re going to continue to monitor it. The tank’s legal status wasn’t known before, but now it is. We are in compliance with the necessary legal requirements.”
Despite the positive inspection results, Pilla acknowledged the building’s age – it dates back to 1909 – and noted that managing it has not always been easy.
“Every day it’s a little less young than it was the day before,” she said. “But from the inspections that have taken place recently, it’s in good shape for what it’s required to be.”
Town officials have begun discussing the feasibility of upgrading the heating system and retrofitting the building for town meetings or as an extension of Town Hall.
“Of course, it’s just conversation right now,” said Pilla. “If it’s something that’s being explored, there are still many things that need to happen to make it a useful extension for Town Hall. I’m excited about the possibilities for Hills. I think this is the most optimistic I’ve been in several years – to hear that there’s a thought that something could move forward to make Hills continuously vital to the town. I’m really optimistic.”
Under the current arrangement, the Library Trustees remain partially involved in the transition process. With budget season approaching, it remains unclear what the next steps will be or when they will occur.
Bohrer expressed concern about how much time the Board of Selectmen will have to address the issue amid budget preparations.
