New Hampshire Library Trustees Association - What's Happening in Our Libraries

Brookline Public Library

Brookline PL Dragons The Brookline Public Library was relocated to a former church in the town center in 1993, and both the community and the use of the library have grown substantially since then. Serving a population of about 5,000, the library is now operating over capacity, with a collection of over 32,000 items and an annual circulation of over 60,000. The BPL is particularly proud of its strong community support; our sponsorship program—which includes 35 patrons sponsoring over 100 authors—provides a huge boost to a tight budget.

One of the most popular features of the library is the display case set prominently in the center of the first level. Children and adults take turns displaying their prized toy cars, dolls, Legos, stuffed animals, or other unique collections. The display is usually the first stop for children visiting the library, and the waiting list to feature their ‘favorite things’ is four to five months long.

The library also offers devices—Kindle e-readers, Kill-a-watt meters, and more—for checkout, and recently received a specially adapted telescope donated by the New Hampshire Astronomical Society. There are plans in the works for star-gazing events in the coming warmer months, and a special presentation in collaboration with NHAS for the Summer Reading Program. Stay tuned!

Hollis Social Library

Article published by the Cabinet Press in the Hollis Brookline Journal on February 24 focuses on the contributions to the community of the Hollis Social Library. The Board of Trustees and staff should be proud of the position of value that the library has achieved.

Read the entire article at this website link.
http://www.cabinet.com/hollisbrooklinejournalhollisnews/951118-308/librarys-contributions-tangible-intangible.html

Posted with permission from the Cabinet Press, Milford, NH.

Wilton Public-Gregg Free Library

Wilton Library The Wilton Public-Gregg Free Library is noted for its unique architecture and its majestic location on the hill overlooking the town center. The library was built in 1907 with a generous donation by David Gregg of Wilton and is managed by a trust, with operational funding provided by the town. Recent extensive renovations were funded 25% by the town and 75% by private donations. This community project has resulted in increased usage, greater volunteer participation, and renewed activity of the Friends of the Library. The library is becoming even more the hearth of the community.

There is a thriving art community in Wilton, and a special feature at the library is a rotating display of the works of many local artists.

An exciting recent addition to the library is an on-line school edition of Encyclopedia Britannica to be shared by public and school library patrons.

Storage Problems Solved by Eagle Scout

Brookline Eagle Scout On December 3, 2011 eight new rolling bookshelves were installed at the Brookline Annex by Eagle Scout Candidate Matt Spokane and his crew. When some Friends of the Brookline Library approached him with the idea, Matt was immediately interested. He was investigating some type of building project, and has always enjoyed using the Brookline Public Library, so it was a great fit. These new shelves will allow the library, which is at full capacity, to store more items offsite in the Annex. The storage is for materials that the library wishes to keep, but that do not circulate often. Thanks to Matt, the materials are now well-organized and are easily retrieved on request.