Announcement
The Old Library Management Committee
invites you to an open meeting
The Old Library Management Committee/Old Library Trust
will meet Sunday, April 7th, at 4:00 PM.
Mission Statement for Old Library Trust
To further the preservation, conservation and improvement of the Jackson Old Library building, currently located at 125 Main Street in Jackson, New Hampshire, through the raising of funds by contributions, donations, membership subscription, grants, events and direct appeal for funds and to educate, promote and encourage public interest in use of the building.
Why are you forming a new organization?
The old library building has been part of the Jackson community for well over 100 years. In order to further the preservation, conservation and improvement of this historic building and to encourage public interest in use of the building, we are forming a new non-profit, tax-exempt organization under New Hampshire Chapter 292 and the IRS code 501 c 3. We will be electing a board of directors and officers of this organization and would like as many people as possible who love this building to be involved.
What will the old library be used for?
The building is available for public use for social, cultural or educational events sponsored by Jackson residents and/or community groups. For example, the following events have been held at the Old Library:
- Used as an exhibit space for the Mountain Garden Club – Art in Bloom.
- Reception and book signing for Bryant Tolles Jr., author of several books on architecture including “SUMMER COTTAGES IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS.”
- Annual meeting of a Jackson Home Owners Association.
- Performance of “A Child's Christmas in Wales” by Gordon Clapp.
- Regular meetings of the Old Library Management Committee.
- Regular meetings of a French Language Conversation Club.
Did you run this by the Selectmen?
Yes – the Articles of Agreement and By-Laws were presented to the Selectmen on November 15, 2012 and were reviewed by the Town Attorney as noted at the January 17, 2013 Selectmen Meeting.
What will the funds be used for?
Any funds raised will be used to help with the preservation, conservation and improvement of the building. The building is a Town owned building and all activities will be coordinated with the Town. The organization may seek financial support to:Restore the front door
- Restore and re-glaze the windows
- Remove the carpet and refinish the hard wood floors and wainscoting
- Install a new ADA compliant emergency exit
- Replace the light fixtures with period appropriate pieces
- Purchase appropriate furniture for the building
- Install a small restroom facility
- and other items
Why should I become a member?
Membership in the Old Library Trust provides you a way to participate in making sure the Old Library remains part of the Jackson community in the future. How active of a role is up to you.
Why the “Old library Trust” and why a corporation?
The “Old Library Trust” is the name we choose for the new organization. Because we want to raise and expend tax-exempt funds, federal and state laws require us to register our organization and to pick a governance structure. A corporation allows wide community involvement by having members, elections for a board of directors, votes on actions, open meetings, reporting requirements and written by-laws and is commonly used for tax-exempt organizations.
Will the Town need to vote on this?
No. The Old Library Trust will be an independent organization from the Town. The Old Library Trust will need to coordinated closely with the Town since the building is a town owned building. In addition, the building is on land owned by the Protestant Chapel Association and the Old Library Trust will need to work with the Church.
Where can I find more information?
You can visit the Town website www.jacksonvillage.net, and click on the the Old Library link on the left. You will find the Articles for Agreement of Old Library Trust and By-Laws of Old Library Trust. You can also email us at Jacksonoldlibrary@gmail.com.
The Jackson Library building was open to the public on August 1, 1901 and used as the Jackson Library from August 1901 until November 2010, when the library moved to its new location. The building was designed by the famed Boston architect William Ralph Emerson and is much beloved by the Jackson residents and visitors to the Mountain Washington Valley. The building is on the National Register of Historical Buildings. See the link above for more information on history of the Jackson Library.
The building is now available for public use for social, cultural or educational events sponsored by Jackson residents and/or community groups. The Board of Selectmen established an Old Library Management Committee to help manage and encourage the use and continued preservation of the building. The Committee is actively working on the preservation of the building and is soliciting public support.
If you would like to use the building, please review the GUIDELINES AND FEE SCHEDULE FOR USE OF THE OLD LIBRARY and the APPLICATION FOR USE OF OLD JACKSON LIBRARY, available from the Town Administrator or from the links above.
Please note that the building:
- is a Jackson-town owned building but is located on property owned by the Protestant Chapel Association.
- has two main rooms and one one small closet and for total of approximately 700 square feet .
- has tables (3) and chairs (16).
- is currently not ADA compliant.
- has no running water, restroom facilities or waste water systems.
- is heated.
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