By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
CORNISH, N.H. — The Cornish Community Initiative has been working to bring a state-of-the-art library and community center to town, and thanks to a huge grant by the Northern Border Regional Commission, the dream is on its way to becoming a reality.
On Jan. 23, the NBRC announced that it awarded a “highly competitive grant” of $909,320 to fund the construction of a state-of-the-art Library and Community Center. As this is an 80/20 split percentage-wise, the initiative will be using $727,456 in grant funds toward creating a community resource hub that includes a maker space, after-school programming, Work Ready NH and other local resources, according to information provided by the CCI.
“A $727,456 grant does not come to Cornish often,” said Susan Chandler of the Cornish Community Initiative Fundraising Committee. “Once this building is completely renovated and outfitted as a library and community center, CCI is going to turn it over to the town. So, in effect, the money that is coming to the initiative is coming to the whole town of Cornish, and we’re very excited about that.”
The building that is being renovated is the former Cornish General Store, and its owner and CCI Chair Colleen O’Neill is donating the building. Chandler said with this grant they are up to about $2 million, and they feel about $2.6 million is needed to start construction, but the whole project is about $3 million.
“Receiving this competitive grant is a testament to the incredible value this project brings to our community,” O’Neill said in a prepared statement by the CCI. “Raising $3 million to make this dream a reality is no small task, but this grant propels us closer than ever to the finish line. We’re proud to have reached $2 million in total funds raised so far, thanks to the generosity of individuals and now this vital regional investment.”
According to a release by the CCI, in 2023 at Town Meeting, residents voted to support the development of a “modern, energy-efficient, and fully accessible library and community center.”
“The new facility will include essential features such as bathrooms, ample parking, running water, meeting rooms, and expanded space for books and technology,” the release stated. “The new hub will provide opportunities for education, economic development, creativity, and connection, ensuring Cornish remains a healthy, thriving, and vibrant community for generations to come.”
Chandler said this will replace a library that was built in 1910 and “totally unsuitable for the 21st century.” It has no running water and no accessibility, as the only way inside is by climbing stairs. She said it is a “gem of a building,” but has outlived its use. She assured that the building will not be torn down and there are ideas formulating on how to use it for the future. Chandler said they are protecting the building but moving 21st century needs into a 21st century building.
Merilynn Bourne, also of the Cornish Community Initiative Fundraising Committee, explained that it was a detailed application process for the funds involving letters of support and explaining how the funds would be used to benefit the town. She said this involved many hours of work between her and Chandler, as well as Caroline Storrs, who put together a 22-page document to apply.
“The federal government does not give money out easily, and we had to work and think hard to answer their questions and prove that the project is legitimately going to do something to benefit the community,” said Chandler. “It was a labor of love.”
Bourne said NBRC is interested in economic development, and the CCI explained that they would be creating a resource space in both the library and community center. She said it will not only benefit the people of Cornish, but also the surrounding communities who could take advantage of the resources.
“The community space would be a resource for local home businesses, and we have a number of those in town,” Bourne said. “Those people who are interested in growing their business outside their home could meet with folks from Maker Space or Work Ready NH. It is all programming. People can come and take advantage of the programs being offered.”
There will be a technical space available, as well as a children’s program space. Bourne said that all of these aspects fit with the focus of the NBRC for building towns out and making them more connected.
Bourne said it is a “fabulous project,” and in 2023 when the project was approved by voters, they had had hopes that there would be a ribbon cutting within five years of the vote. With these funds, that might just be the case.
“It is just so heartening and uplifting, and the government thinks that it is a good worthwhile project, or they wouldn’t have funded it,” Chandler said.
Bourne added, “This is the largest amount of money to ever be awarded to the town of Cornish.”
According to a release by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s office, this is part of more than $10 million in federal funding for New Hampshire projects through the NBRC Catalyst Program focused on a wide range of economic development initiatives.
“The Northern Border Regional Commission provides vital support for projects across New Hampshire’s rural communities that bolster local economies, create jobs and provide essential services to Granite Staters,” said Senator Shaheen. ”I’m thrilled to see this federal funding headed to our state, and I’ll continue working to support and expand NBRC’s impact in New Hampshire.”
Donations for the project are currently being accepted. Those interested can log onto cornishci.org/library/.