Public Library to be closed two weeks during recarpeting project

Temporary closure begins on Monday. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The Rochester Public Library will be closed for two weeks beginning Monday while recarpeting work is done throughout the building.

The library will be closed through Feb. 1.

Work began earlier this week on the top floor of the building, which was closed to patrons, but the remainder of the work will require the facility to close entirely.

Library staff will continue working through the closure to move some 90,000 books that need to be relocated and kept in order while the new carpet is put in place. Staff will also continue to empty the book drop daily, but fines will be waived for items that would otherwise come due during the closure.

"There is a ton of work that needs to be done to make this project possible, though I do apologize for the inconvenience this may cause for some of our residents," Library Director Brian Sylvester said. "Though the building will be closed, our members will still be able to access all of our online offerings and programs, and I hope they will take advantage of that opportunity."

To access the library's online collection of e-books, audio books and streamable movies and TV shows, visit the library's website at www.rpl.lib.nh.us.