The construction of a climate-controlled, special collections room in the basement is a major part of the Levi M. Stewart Private Library Museum Project. The room will house most of Mr. Stewart’s book collection and artifacts. Historic elements of the Public Library collection and Town documents and records will also be stored in the room. The space these items take up now will be made available for other uses.

Workers from Nickerson & O’Day have just started construction of the room. Here is a very short slideshow showing the preparation for the new floor.

This part of the Basement Project also includes the construction of a ramp leading from the basement elevator lobby down to the floor level.

The room will be about 20 ft by 26 ft, with a ceiling height of about 7 ft. The sealed unit will have it’s own HVAC system to maintain the temperature and humidity at levels that will help preserve the books and town records.

This project is funded entirely by private donations to the Stewart Building Preservation Fund. We expect the Special Collections Room to be complete by Spring.