RUMFORD — Rumford’s beautiful, 108-year old public library needs some tender loving care. A lot of it.

Luke Sorensen, library director and head librarian, on Wednesday gave a tour to Rumford selectmen, Town Manager Carlo Puiia and three library trustees so they could see firsthand the most critical needs of the library.

“I am impressed with the magnificent craftsmanship in this building,” said Selectman Brad Adley, looking at the wooden beams of the library, a building  that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

In the hour-long walk-through, Sorensen pointed to issues of concern he and others believe have been neglected for too long, including the need for more energy-efficient lighting, proper and thorough weatherization, a more efficient furnace (to replace the 30-plus-year existing one), an additional bathroom (there is only one) an elevator, and a pitched roof to replace the flat roof over the 1967 addition.

“The library has been neglected for too long,” said Selectman Greg Buccina. “We are its landlords and it is time to turn things around.”

“As part of the Rumford Library Growth Process,” Sorensen said, “we did an assessment of what needs to be done to restore the library.”

From the assessment, the Rumford Public Library has come up with a Capital Fund and Five Year Plan Draft (2011-16). The five-year plan includes expenditures of $249,000.

The first year targets saving the town money with energy-efficient lighting ($20,000) and weatherization ($9,000); the second year, heating and furnace ($25,000); the third, sewer and bathroom ($45,000); the fourth, foundation repair and pointing ($50,000); and the fifth year, an elevator ($100,000.).

“It is a beautiful library in a gorgeous spot,” said library Trustee Caroline Kennard. “The Rumford voters chose to keep their library and we need to take care of it.”

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