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Register of Deeds proposes "Adopt a Book" preservation program; public raises deed‑form access concerns
Summary
Register of Deeds Samantha Morse proposed an "Adopt a Book" program to fund the physical preservation of county records. During public comment a resident said the office had directed her to hire an attorney to add a name to a deed; commissioners encouraged staff to draft a business plan and to look at public‑facing form access.
Register of Deeds Samantha Morse described a proposed "Adopt a Book" program to let community members fund physical repairs and conservation of aged deed books.
Morse said some bound volumes have faded ink, brittle pages and worn bindings; donors to the program would receive certificates and recognition on a recorder's wall and at higher donor levels, inclusion in book bindings. She said much of the recorded information is already available online, though occasionally staff must rescan off‑system volumes to make them public. Morse said the office has no budgeted funds for book repair currently and would likely need to plan over the next two years to set aside money for conservation work.
Commissioners asked how the program would be promoted; Morse said the county website, a lobby public notice, a Facebook page and community events were planned. She said past vendors used to repair books have included Cofile, US Imaging and a Massachusetts company called Ayer Peppol; she said one repair could cost roughly $8,000 depending on damage.
Morse asked the board for guidance and said she would request the commissioners' approval to create a special revenue fund to hold donor funds. Commissioners did not approve a fund at the meeting; instead they asked Morse to draft a business plan with specific procedures, accounting, promotion and vendor estimates and return for review.
During public comment, resident Lynn Blanketbecker said she and her daughter were told by staff they needed an attorney to add a name to a deed, which would have cost them several hundred dollars. Blanketbecker said she later located county forms online, completed them, and paid the registrar fees herself. She asked the county to review whether requiring an attorney for routine deed modifications is necessary. County staff present urged Blanketbecker to follow up with the municipal and county committee in the legislature if legal changes are required; Blanketbecker said she will continue to pursue the matter.
The board encouraged Morse to consult with the New Hampshire Historical Society and local historical organizations for promotion and outreach and asked Morse to return with a written plan for a special revenue fund and program procedures.
