THE KENSINGTON SOCIAL LIBRARY
Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future
A Bold Step Forward: Expanding Our Library
Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future is a $5.5 million initiative to support a 4,406-square-foot expansion and essential ADA upgrades, ensuring we can meet the growing needs of Kensington’s 2,096 residents.
Make a Difference Today!
You can help make history by joining us in this important effort.
There are many ways to give. A one-time gift can be made here by using a credit card or a bank account. A check can be mailed to the Kensington Social Library, c/o Shawn Smith, 126 Amesbury Road, Kensington, NH 03833. If you prefer to pay your gift over time, you can do so either monthly, quarterly, or annually.
The expansion will preserve the charm of the library’s exterior face, and it will offer:
- Expanded space for children’s programming
- ADA-compliant access (including restrooms and elevator)
- Comfortable space for seniors to socialize
- Quiet study rooms
- Dedicated teen area
Please see below for more details about the project.
“For generations, Kensington has turned to its library as a place of comfort, connection, and discovery. Since its founding in 1895 and a major expansion in 1976, our library has grown into so much more than a place to borrow books. It’s where stories come to life, where curiosity is welcomed with open arms, and where people of all ages come together to learn, dream, and grow.”
Elaine Kaczmarek, Capital Campaign Chair
Rooted in Our Mission
History and Mission
Founded in 1895, the Kensington Social Library is a cornerstone of the Kensington, New Hampshire, community. Established through the generosity of Joseph Chase Hilliard, the library has evolved from its humble beginnings into a vibrant, modern public resource center that retains the welcoming spirit of a small-town library. The library’s mission is to provide all residents with free and equitable access to a diverse range of materials, programs, and services that support lifelong learning, personal enrichment, and community engagement.Fostering a love of reading from an early age and encouraging lifelong learning.
Serving Our Community
The Kensington Social Library serves the educational, cultural, and recreational needs of its community by:- Offering programming that fosters early literacy, digital literacy, and lifelong learning
- Providing a safe and inclusive space for study, collaboration, and civic dialogue
- Giving personalized, professional assistance from knowledgeable and friendly staff
- Partnering with local organizations, schools, and municipal departments
- Adhering to NH library laws and American Library Association standards
A Bold Step Forward: Expanding Our Library
The library is undertaking a 4,406-square-foot renovation and expansion to meet the growing needs of its 2,096 residents. This project includes:- ADA-compliant access, including elevator and restrooms
- Expanded children’s programming space
- Comfortable space for seniors to socialize, engage in conversation, and play games
- Dedicated teen area
- Quiet study rooms and reading nooks
- Upgraded staff workspaces and storage
Accessibility for All
Ensuring ADA compliance is crucial to the project, as it enables parents with strollers and seniors to have full access to the library. This reflects the community’s values of inclusion, respect, and service to all.Strategic Planning and Vision
This project stems from the 2019 Strategic Plan, developed with community input through surveys and public sessions. The vision is to make the library a center for education, information, and cultural enrichment.By the Numbers – 2024 Statistics
- 65 new families joined as patrons
- 7,600 visits, a 16% increase
- An average of 600 visits per month
- 1,000+ visits were for events
- Nearly 11,000 physical books checked out, a 6% increase
- A large percentage are children’s titles
- 3,700 audiobooks and e-books downloaded
A Look at the Future
Library Exterior
From the street, the familiar and beloved face of the library will remain unchanged, preserving the charm and character that have welcomed generations of Kensington residents. The new extension will be thoughtfully constructed using brick that matches the existing historic brickwork, ensuring a seamless blend between the old and the new. To complement the design, sections of the addition 
will feature sandstone or granite-faced concrete masonry units in a warm, natural “tan” tone. These solid, durable materials have been chosen not only for their timeless appearance but also for their ability to reduce long-term maintenance and upkeep costs, an investment in both beauty and practicality for years to come.
Main Level Floor Plan: Adult and Teen Areas
This floor plan highlights the layout for adult reading and local history, small study rooms, ADA-compliant restrooms, teen collection and activity rooms, and the main circulation and processing areas.
Lower-Level Floor Plan: Expanded Children’s Room
The rendering illustrates the newly designed lower level of the Kensington Public Library, which directly addresses the critical need for additional children’s space. With over 65 new families welcomed in the past year and more than half of the library’s annual circulation going to youth materials, demand for children’s programming has grown significantly. The current facilities are insufficient, often resulting in fully booked events and waitlists. The proposed Children’s Room expansion, along with the adjacent ADA-compliant restroom, Director’s office, and program room, creates a welcoming, accessible, and functional space to support early literacy, family engagement, and inclusive community activities.
Upper-Level Floor Plan: Adult Program Room and Staff Space
This upper-level rendering features the Adult Program Room and the adjacent Staff Room, critical additions that support community learning and operational efficiency. Historically, access to this area has been limited due to the absence of ADA-compliant infrastructure. Parents with strollers and seniors—both vital segments of our library community—have often been unable to attend events held in these spaces. The inclusion of an elevator and a fully accessible design ensures equitable access for all. With these updates, the Kensington Public Library can truly serve as a welcoming hub where residents of all ages and abilities can participate in programs, workshops, and lifelong learning opportunities.