Great Rooms
A quiet reading room and a current periodicals room will be created after the clutter and bustle of the reference collection and new books are removed to the addition
and the rooms are given a thorough refurbishing. The fireplaces will be made an integral part of the rooms.

The marble floored central area designated as “Kidder Hall” in 1904 will be transformed by the removal of the circulation desk and will become the core gallery space for the library.

Exterior
Dozens of split limestone blocks require repair. Moss and grime need to be cleaned off the brick and stonework, especially on the northern side of the building where people enter. Mortar openings in the roof parapet must be patched in order to prevent water infiltration in the walls. Exterior problems have caused interior plaster deterioration and mold problems. The renovation will address these issues, and ensure that the building integrity is preserved.

Systems
Heating, air-conditioning, ventilation, electrical, lighting, security and data wiring systems will be completely removed and replaced with state-of-the-art equipment. The steam heat system is now powered by two boilers near the end of their useful life cycle. (1972 and 1958 installations). The library paid over $8,000 in repairs to keep them operating during the winter of 2003-4. Heat is spotty and totally ineffective on the lower floor of the original building. Only half of the building is air-conditioned, and much of that is done with a hodge-podge of window units.

Telecommunications systems will allow computers to be placed throughout the building. Secure, reliable Ethernet connections will serve staff stations and public computer clusters. Wireless access will allow patrons to bring their own wireless-ready laptops into the library and permit operation of portable training labs in the meeting rooms.