WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — This Friday, COVER Home Repair will celebrate two milestones: Its 25th anniversary and that its renovations are almost finished.

From 5 to 6:30 p.m., the nonprofit home repair organization will host a “Books and Beer Birthday Bash” at its home at 158 S. Main St. During the event, farmer and retired N.H. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Taylor, of Meriden, will share his memories of downtown White River Junction and his son, Rob Taylor, will talk about what it was like to work at Catamount Brewery, which previously occupied the space that is now COVER’s.

The organization’s neighbor, River Roost Brewery, will be on hand with a beer called “Fostering Hope,” which brewers created in honor of COVER and its mission to “foster hope and build community in the Upper Valley.” Over the past 25 years, the organization has assisted lower income homeowners with a variety of projects, including weatherization and ramps to make homes handicap accessible.

Since last December, staff and volunteers have been hard at work redesigning the 8,000-square-foot building that they moved into in 2001. There’s an improved wood shop, home repair offices and a new used bookstore, to be called Cover to COVER Books.

“I’m hoping we’ll be done by the end of October,” Helen Hong, COVER’s executive director, said. “We’re going from old storage spaces to retail and office space.”

The bookstore is mostly done, Hong said. The adjacent home repair offices need the most work, including a floor on the upper loft. The organization is seeking volunteers who have an interest in working in the bookstore once it is open.

One of the most exciting parts of the project for Hong is that the renovations include entrances both for the bookstore and for the home repair office that face South Main Street. Prior to the renovation, the main entrance faced the parking lot to the side of building.

“It’s meant to be an inviting space for the community to come in and find out more — and maybe buy a book or two,” Hong said. “I’m just excited that this is an entryway directly into the public space.”

COVER’s own staff and volunteers have put in work on the project, and they’ve had help from other community groups, including from employees and volunteers with Upper Valley Habitat for Humanity.

“We’re trying to fill some time in between our major builds and trying to do some good in the community,” Jack Kauders, executive director of Habitat, which also is based in White River Junction. Staff and volunteers have also been helping out at Maynard House, a Hanover nonprofit that provides housing to medical patients and their families. “We have a pretty long-standing relationship with COVER.”

For more information about COVER Home Repair and volunteer opportunities, visit coverhomerepair.org. COVER is currently accepting book donations only on Mondays; books must be in good condition, without stains, tears or mold.

Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@ vnews.com or 603-727-3221.