The Northampton Community Preservation Committee voted unanimously Oct. 8 to award $3,000 to Forbes Library to stabilize and preserve the Calvin Coolidge desk currently in the library's collection.

The restoration request was presented by Lisa Downing of Forbes Library and Julie Bartlett Nelson, archivist and head of the Coolidge Presidential Museum at Forbes Library. Julie Bartlett Nelson described the piece as a long-held item in the collection that has been off display "for a few years because it was in need of some repairs," and said the work will focus on stabilization and preservation rather than making it look "brand new." She added the library sought a local conservator with museum experience to retain the desk's historic character.

The funding request, $3,000, was moved by Martha (committee member) and seconded by Julia (committee member). Sarah (CPC staff) conducted a roll-call vote; all members present voted yes.

Committee members asked about the scope of the work and whether the furniture would be refinished. Bartlett Nelson said the chosen woodworker would perform cleaning, structural stabilization and a protective finish to preserve the surface and guard against dust and fingerprints, but would not fully refinish the piece. Martha commented on surface finishing and Bartlett Nelson replied that the plan was to provide a historic-appropriate finish and to recreate the lost desk pad from historical photographs.

The committee recorded the motion as approved unanimously. The funds aim to allow the desk to be returned to public display as part of Forbes Library's updated Coolidge exhibits.

Forbes Library representatives were thanked and excused after the vote; the committee proceeded with the rest of its agenda.