Hopkinton Librarian Becky Schulz feels much like the children who visit her library in the early part of December. She's eager for time to go by quickly. She can't wait to open something special. But in this case, it's something the whole town will enjoy.

The new Hopkinton Library was scheduled to open June 23rd with a design that fits the growing needs of the library as well as the atmosphere of the town. The designers, Sheerr & McCrystal Architects of New London, are renowned for their use of "contextual architecture", ensuring that buildings are created to compliment their surrounding environment, while still bringing a unique feel to each project.

"The style of the new library building draws from agricultural buildings," said Eric Palson, AIA, Sheerr & McCrystal Architects' Vice President. "This fits in with the town's rural roots, particularly with the new site located on the Houston farm."

At 10,000 square feet, the new location is large enough to hold all the books from the old library in Contoocook as well as the books that have been boxed away in storage. Space has also been allocated for a local history room and a community meeting room.

The library was also designed for comfort and warmth. From the granite fireplace inside to the screen porches outside, there is a welcoming atmosphere. The porches overlook the new sports fields, so visitors can relax, read and watch the children playing ball. The library is heated with a radiant system that sends hot water through pipes within the floors, which is especially comfortable for the young people in the children's room. "We are thrilled with the new design," said Schulz, "There's finally room for all of the library's books, and we can now provide comfortable, spacious areas to read and have meetings."

Much of the project was made possible through the donations of local residents. Private donors - over 450 local families and businesses - provided close to 25% of the cost to build the new library. In addition, the local elementary schoolchildren have been holding a "Building With Books" campaign, where each classroom will donate books to the children's room at the new library.

The construction was done by Gary Chicoine Builders of Weare. Finishing touches were complete in and community volunteers worked together to move all the books into the new library.