NASHUA – Upgrades are planned for the multi-level plaza near the Nashua Public Library, as officials hope to celebrate the library’s 50th anniversary in 2021 with a makeover.

Officials plan to renovate the plaza between the library, located at 2 Court St., and the adjacent city-owned building at 14 Court St. The plaza has physically shifted and settled since its original design, and as a result, does not function in a way that best serves the community, officials added.

To keep the community members informed on this project, the public is invited to view plans and offer feedback at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Chandler Memorial Wing at the library.

“We really want to get public input. And if people can’t come, they should email Jen McCormack and give her their ideas,” library Outreach Coordinator Carol Luers Eyman said.

People who cannot attend the meeting but would like to offer suggestions can send their ideas to McCormack, who is the library director at, jennifer.mccormack@nashualibrary.org.

The city of Nashua and the library board of trustees selected Carol R. Johnson Associates (CRJA) to design an innovative renovation for the plaza.

The plan should include elements that improve the aesthetics of the area, while providing an inviting space for outdoor performances and other active programming.

Additionally, the plan evaluates including:

• Energy-efficient lighting solutions,

• Easily maintained landscaping,

• Space for public art,

• Walkways with grading that complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA),

• Convenient access to electricity for events, and

• Access to water to sustain landscaping installations.

“There are places where, because concrete shifts over the years, the drainage isn’t exactly the way it should be,” Luers Eyman said. “The walkway is somewhat elevated from the grass, so it’s a tripping hazard.”

In further detailing the plaza’s current condition, she said the sidewalk is old, and as a result, some pieces of it are higher than others. This project will address those issues and improve the landscape.

Further, Luers Eyman said there is no irrigation, so the grass does not grow well when the city experiences a dry summer.

Once these improvements have been implemented, the courtyard will provide a quality, cost-effective and low-maintenance outdoor space for the community to enjoy, she said.

“I hope that it will encourage people to come to the library, not just for the usual indoor activities, but to be out in the nice weather. And we’re hoping to encourage community groups to use the space, not just the library events,” Luers Eyman added.

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or at aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.

Newsletter