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A new Kingstowne Regional Library opened this spring inside the Franconia District Center on Beulah Street, giving the community a larger branch with dedicated spaces for children and teenagers, rooms for studying and meetings, and access to about 55,000 items.

The 30,000-square-foot regional library is open seven days a week. Its collection includes books, electronic resources and county-related materials concerning the surrounding community.

The branch replaces a smaller library that operated from rented retail space at Lansdowne Centre, about two miles from the new government center. Library officials closed the former location in February 2026 and prepared its collection for transfer to the Beulah Street facility.

Of the materials now available at the regional branch, 36,802 came from the former library and approximately 18,500 are new. Those component figures add up to 55,302, slightly above the rounded collection estimate of 55,000.

The move represents more than a change of address. The larger space includes a substantial children’s section and a separate area for teenagers, allowing the library to provide distinct environments for younger visitors. Natural light, tables and other seating are incorporated throughout the branch.

Visitors looking for a place to work or study can reserve small study rooms. The library also has conference and meeting rooms for larger gatherings. A Wi-Fi bar equipped with power outlets gives patrons a place to connect and charge their own devices.

The library is one part of the broader Franconia District Center. The building also houses a senior center, the Franconia Police Station, the Franconia District supervisor’s office, the Franconia Museum and a new childcare center. The combination places the regional branch alongside several other community services and public offices.

Community programming announced for the library included a July 2 family concert by Rocknoceros and a July 7 baby story time. The library also announced a lecture by author Derek Baxter about his book on the Revolutionary War, although a date and the book’s title were not provided.

The spring opening completed the branch’s transition from its former retail-space location to a new setting within the district center. The library is now operating on a seven-day schedule with expanded space for its collection, programs and visitors.