Library lights up for America250

LACONIA — In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the Laconia Public Library has illuminated the building on North Main Street in streaks of red and blue lights, adorned with projected white stars. The building will be lit up at least through Tuesday, July 14, beginning at dusk every evening, with the best view after 9 p.m.

Patriotic lights, designed by New Spectrum Lighting, first appeared on the library’s exterior June 28, but Wednesday night was the first night residents and passersby were able to enjoy the fully completed display.

A patriotic bunting hangs over the archway of the Main Street entrance, surrounded by further lights and garlands. To symbolize New Hampshire’s role in the formation of the United States, along the Main Street entrance, 13 American flags are lined up, representing the original 13 colonies, including the Granite State. The state flag is positioned ninth, in recognition of NH's role in the Revolutionary War, and being the ninth state to ratify the Constitution. The USS Raleigh, pictured on the state flag, is widely credited as the first American warship to fly the American stars and stripes into battle.

When the display was brought up, a bit last-minute, at a meeting of the library bard of trustees, members passed it unanimously, with great enthusiasm. The total cost for the display is $7,400, so John Moriarty, chair of the board of trustees, was not sure how the board would react. They also went on to vote to distribute funds from external accounts in order to cover a large portion of the display’s cost.

“People broke into broad smiles,” Moriarty said. “The conversation was that we have to do this for future generations to be be able to look back, and see that this was important to us. That this is part of what the library’s function is — to present these kinds of ideas to the community for them to either accept or reject, but no one hesitated.”

The public’s reaction has been just as positive, as photos of the display are being shared across social media.

“People have reached out in all manner of ways. I’m not personally on social media, but I understand the reaction has been broad, and quite extraordinary,” Moriarty said.

Moriarty is at the library every evening filling up gas cans for the generators, to keep the lights running throughout the night. He said people are frequently stopping by with cameras to take photos of the display, and snapping pictures of their kids in front of the patriotic lights.

“The reaction is exactly what we hoped it would be, that people are engaging with it in their own way, and that is fantastic,” Moriarty said.

“We will absolutely keep it up through the 14th, but if community interest persists and the volunteer base continues, then we'll try and keep it up longer.”

Continuing America’s semiquincentennial celebration, at 8 p.m. on Monday, July 13, the Laconia Public Library will offer a virtual program, hosted by the Ashland Massachusetts Public Library, titled “Everyday Life in 1776.”

The Laconia Public Library will host American History Trivia to close off the festivities, at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 24. Individuals and teams alike are welcome.

To learn more, visit the library at 695 N. Main St., or call 603-524-4775 to sign up.