In recent weeks, there has been much speculation regarding the new addition at Fletcher Memorial Library. Much of this occurred on the “Next Door Hampton” site (similar to Facebook), that reaches over three hundred households in Hampton and the greater vicinity. An initial posting contained misinformation which led to additional postings containing unsubstantiated claims and unconfirmed reports.

When queried on the subject by The Gazette, Library Board Chair Anne Christie stated the facts for the record: “First, no donor ‘offered to pay in full for the new addition’. A donor generously offered the library roughly half of the cost . No strings were attached pertaining to the contractor. The library did receive a quote on the project after Robert Mott of Heritage Building and Design was given a verbal go-ahead, from a contractor the donor had done a lot of work with. The quote was considerably less than Heritage’s quote. Heritage Building and Design did not have a signed contract for the addition, and Mr. Mott was not invited to the reception to answer questions on the addition, as the Next Door reporter wrote. He was there at the invitation of the board chair to enjoy some good food and hear some good music. With our patron’s donation and the reduced cost of the project, the board eliminated the need for town or taxpayer funds. It also eliminated the necessity for significant library funding of the project, which preserves the resources for other needs as they arise. When the details of the situation were clear, we immediately contacted Mr. Mott and told him of our circumstances. He was very understanding. Heritage Building and Design does have an excellent reputation and we hope we will have the opportunity to work with Mr. Mott in the future. The board’s decision to choose another contractor was made in the best interests of the library and the taxpayers of this town. The rest of the donations to the capital campaign will roughly cover the remaining cost of the project. The library board greatly appreciates the generosity of those who contributed. Lastly, the donor is not anonymous. Details of the donation are still in progress, and when they have been finalized, the donor’s name will be made public.”

For further information or clarification regarding the addition project, Anne Christie may be contacted through the Library.

Mary Oliver