The drab appearance of the entrance of Nashua Public Library. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

NASHUA – Jennifer McCormack, director of Nashua Public Library, recently met with residents to discuss the six-month feasibility study currently underway to renovate the 54-year-old building.

The study began in February and is being conducted by designLAB architects, it is expected to be completed in July. In prior years, designLAB completed studies and projects at the McKim Building of the Boston Public Library, the Providence Public Library and the West Branch Library in Somerville, Mass.

Following a technical assessment conducted in 2022, designLAB determined that a full renovation would be needed to “address major deficiencies and bring your library into the future.” Among a myriad other deficiencies, the assessment indicated that there is no automatic smoke detection or sprinkler system and that the building is not properly insulated.

Since the library was built in 1970, there has been one roof replacement in 2008 and the meeting spaces in the Chandler Wing were renovated in 2017.

“Our building is not friendly to people with disabilities or to people who do not speak English as a first language,” McCormack said during the second of two public information sessions on March 26. “Our History Room really needs some love, some of our older shelves decided to retire this year.”

Jennifer McCormack, director of Nashua Public Library, speaks to residents during the second of two public information sessions on March 26 as part of the six-month feasibility study to renovate the building. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

She also said that customers frequently say that anyone visiting from out of town would never know that the building at 2 Court St. is a library.

In terms of funding, McCormack said it is too early to know what a renovation project would cost.

“No funds have been earmarked for this,” she said, adding that the renovation of Library Plaza is a separate project and is being federally funded.

Despite the rollbacks in federal funds, McCormack said she has been in contact with U.S. Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander and is not concerned about that funding source.

Using other libraries as examples, she said a renovation project could possibly introduce amenities such as a café, underground parking and a makerspace.