The UNH Dimond Library is excited to announce significant progress has been made on its furniture refurbishing project! With the generosity of donors, $50,000 was given towards restoring library wooden furniture – including solid maple chairs and study carrels. Thanks to the dedicated craftsmanship of local business NorthShore Refinishing LLC, furniture purchased over 25 years ago has now been renewed and preserved for years to come.
The project was originally initiated in the spring of 2020. With Dimond Library’s last major renovation being completed in 1998, the furniture had experienced a lot of heavy use. Although the building was designed for longevity and the structure itself showed little signs of aging, the furniture was showing wear and tear. However, rather than purchase new materials, the library opted to refurbish its existing ones.
Shortly after launching the project, Assistant Dean for Library Administration, Tracey Lauder, was approached by donors who expressed interest in funding the restoration. Bob and Beverly Glendening, longtime New Hampshire residents, wanted to support the state’s university. Beverly, an avid reader, was looking for a way to contribute towards the academic sector of campus and the project’s use of reusing materials appealed to her passion for sustainability.
“When you look around at UNH or in New Hampshire, you can see what can be done on a local level to promote sustainability,” she said.
The impact of the project is tangible and will be felt for years to come. Over 26 study carrels and 187 chairs were restored, eliminating waste, and saving approximately an additional $40,000 that would have been spent on purchasing new furniture. This shift in reusing existing resources helps contribute towards a circular economy. “You can see the ripples going out from this collaboration,” Beverly said, reflecting on the broader impact of the project, which also provided NorthShore Refinishing LLC to launch its business.
“It’s exciting to see the amount of passion that has gone into this project,” Tracey Lauder remarked. “The library has aged very well over the years, so it’s great to see that the furniture is being treated to last as well.”
Work on refurbishing efforts finished in October of 2022, although opportunities for funding can still be continued through other gift funds including the 603 Library Project. Examining the sustainable effects of UNH’s restoration progress, it is exciting to see what can be accomplished when individuals collaborate towards a shared purpose.
