As we look back on the past year, I’m pleased to say that 2021 was a successful year for the library and a significant improvement from 2020. Of course, COVID-19 was still a concern for our library, state and nation as a whole. However, this year the Library Board and staff successfully managed to minimize the impact of COVID with regard to library services. The library fortunately had no closures in 2021 due to COVID-19, and we loaned more than 10,000 items—bringing us close to the lending and visits that we enjoyed pre-COVID!
This year we hosted several popular programs outside on the library lawn, including:
- Summer Reading Kick-Off with Squam Lakes Science Center
- On the Wing raptor show
- Laser tag sponsored by Next Level Tag
Later in the year we hosted Sheryl Faye again for our first indoor program since COVID at the Town Hall, which was well attended and allowed us enough room to be socially distant.
We are fortunate to have library team members Brittney Thompson and Cori Caputo—they are both so creative and innovative! Cori has been the point person for the very popular Brown Bag Take Home Crafts. Brittney takes the lead each year for our Haunted Library Halloween extravaganza and for several of our most popular programs for adults and young people. Cori also designed new Library Cards for us including painting original artwork (be sure to pick yours up at the circulation desk!)
As always, the Friends of the Library deserves a huge thank you. Their assistance allows us to buy more books for adults and children, and they cover the expense of all our DVD purchases. The Friends purchase Museum passes for the library allowing residents to visit for no charge or for reduced cost. We’re excited to share two new museum passes available this year, courtesy of the Friends:
- McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
- SEE Science Center
The Friends also fund many of our programs and much of the materials needed for our summer reading programs.
We hope that you, your family and friends got to enjoy several of the library’s offerings this year! We’re looking forward to 2022 and hope to see you in the New Year!
Happy Reading!
Carl Heidenblad
Director
