Building Possibility Together-Library expansion project
2027 will mark the 30th anniversary of Carpenter-Carse Library! As we plan to celebrate this milestone, it is important to consider and prepare for the next 30 years and beyond. Let’s strengthen and enhance this beloved library so that it may continue to meet the needs of a growing community.
History of the Project
Libraries have taken several forms in Hinesburg over the past two centuries, evolving with the changing times. The Sarah Carpenter Memorial Library was created in 1947 and, fifty years later, it outgrew its space in the village. A former hardware store on Ballards Corner Road was donated by Henry Carse, money was raised to renovate the building, the collection was relocated, and Carpenter-Carse Library opened its doors in 1997.
At that time, when CCL was new, a plan to expand into the west end of the building never got off the ground. Instead, a choice was made to make that space a rental unit, bringing in more income to help run the library.
Original floor plan rendering for the 1997 hardware store renovation. Note the “future expansion” spaces. Only one was eventually incorporated into the new library.
Since the 1990s, the demand for space in the library has only increased. Many of our events have waiting lists, our youth programs have very high attendance to the point of busting at the seams, and we often have to turn down requests to reserve our community room as it is in almost constant use.
Hinesburg is growing – new neighborhoods are being constructed, some within a very short distance of the library. As our community expands, so too will the possibilities for what our library can offer.
Therefore, CCL is exploring an expansion of its community room to make more space for the programs and activities our visitors enjoy. The goal is to create a space that can adapt to a wide range of needs, from small gatherings and hands-on activities to classes, workshops, and community events.
Current project funding
Association of Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) Sustainable & Resilient New England Libraries Grant
Carpenter-Carse Library was awarded $11, 943 in the spring of 2026. These funds will help create a connecting doorway between the current library space and the future expansion space.
ARSL builds strong communities through elevating the impact of rural and small libraries.
American Library Association (ALA) Libraries Transforming Communities Grant
CCL was selected as one of 300 libraries to participate in the fourth and final round of LTC: Access Communities, an ALA initiative that provides accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities.
The competitive award comes with a $10,000 grant that will help the library improve the audio/visual equipment in the community room/future expansion space.
Friends of Carpenter-Carse Library (FCCL) Fundraising
Our amazing Friends group has been instrumental in creating support for this expansion project. They have done an incredible amount of work planning both the Art Night that was held in March 2026 and the Fall Library Gala that is happening on November 7th, 2026.
The amount of community engagement with these special events has been incredible and has brought in thousands of dollars that will be used for the expansion.
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Be Part of What's Next
One of many events that needed to be moved into the main library for lack of adequate space in the community room.
The community room is wonderful, but sometimes feels pretty crowded!
The community room expansion project is an opportunity to imagine what our library can become and how it can continue to serve our community for the future.
As the project develops, we'll share updates on our plans, progress, and opportunities to get involved. Together, we can make more room for community, connection, and learning at Carpenter-Carse Library!
You can donate with a credit card via the button above (choose Expansion Project in the drop-down) or by writing a check to Carpenter-Carse Library, 69 Ballards Corner Road, Hinesburg, VT 05461.
If you plan to make a donation through your bank or another institution, our EIN is 03-0185083. Thank you for your support!