Expansion Updates And Information

A site for the community, organizations and architects to stay up to date on the library's plans for the future

Since Griffin Free Public Library was founded in 1893, the library has been dedicated to supporting Auburn by providing a unique set of resources reflective of the evolving needs of the community. Founder Sebastian Griffin wanted to provide these resources in a space that is open to all and a way that is focused on strengthening the community.

Over the years, as Auburn has grown, our library's programs and services have outgrown the physical space of the current building. Griffin Free is by far the smallest library per capita in the state of New Hampshire.

To that end, expansion is necessary to serve our community now and in the future.

While the library does have it's own unique website (www.griffinfree.org), this home page will serve as a primary landing page for information and updates for the community and beyond as we enter our expansion phase. This page will provide downloadable access to all our building reports and assessments, and give updates as to our progress. We can't wait to begin!

Expansion Committee Launches Capital Campaign

You Can Be Part of Our Fundraising Efforts!

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Upcoming Building, Finance and Listening Sessions

Looking to get involved with the Expansion Project?

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Architect Hired

Exciting news in the development of the expansion, read on for more information!

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Building Needs Assesment

Conducted and Explained Building Assesments

Download

Community Listening Session Report

Report for the MRI facilitated Community Listening Session between the Library Trustees and the local community.

Download

Community Expansion Meeting Minutes

Learn the History of the Library and how you can show your support for the expansion project.

Download

Some Q and A Prior to Our Oct. 2023 Community Open House

On Oct. 19, 2023, the Auburn Community gathered for an Open House to hear from library leaders and our architect about the upcoming project. Here's a collection of short essays on library needs written by Director Dan Szczesny that were discussed at that meeting.

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What's the Library's History?

Built in 1885 and deeded to the town in 1893 by Sebastian Griffin as a private library and museum. It was enlarged according to Griffin's stipulation by two additions in 1895. Then, in 2004, a third addition was built to the north side of the library by local volunteers.

In 2022, the library's land footprint was extend by about two acres and a story trail constructed behind the library.

Public Community Use

The Library's expansion will create more functional library space, and also provide space for members of the community to meet. The Community Center would be available to any group who would like to use it, including such groups as:
-Massabesic Garden Club
-Girl & Boy Scouts
-Massabesic Senior Club
-Dollars for Scholars
-Parks & Rec Groups
-Evening & Daytime Book Clubs
-Cookbook Club
-Story Times
-Knitting Club

How Large Will the Expansion Be?

The current total square footage for the library is currently just under 2,000 square ft. The library, per capita, is the smallest public library in the state of New Hampshire. The expansion of the library and community facilities is estimated to be approximately 9,900 square ft. and includes a community/event space for the library, town and non-profits and organizations to use.

Meeting Community Needs

The Auburn population has increased significantly in the last couple decades. Our library must expand our facility to support the growing resources that the community will demand.