Pillsbury Free LibraryIn August the library celebrated the 120 th anniversary <strong>of</strong> its October1891 dedication with a program that included the Pillsbury family,<strong>Warner</strong> Historical Society, and author/historian Jack Noon. Much <strong>of</strong>the program was based on Larry Sullivan’s <strong>2011</strong> book, “19 th CenturyLibraries <strong>of</strong> <strong>Warner</strong>, N.H.” which is available at the Library and <strong>Warner</strong>Historical Society. We thank Larry for his donation <strong>of</strong> the book rights,to both organizations. In 2012 we celebrate the 120 th anniversary <strong>of</strong>the library’s first year: it opened February 6, 1892. Meanwhile, thelibrary continues to change with the times, to fulfill the important roleenvisioned by Mr. Pillsbury that “all the people <strong>of</strong> <strong>Warner</strong>, old and young,the rich and the poor alike may realize all the benefits that a free publiclibrary can give.”In this decade, providing “all the benefits” means finding ways to <strong>of</strong>fermore materials and resources online and in digital form, while alsoproviding ways for the less affluent to access these resources, and yetcontinuing to provide traditional print materials. There is ever-increasinguse <strong>of</strong> our computers, as well as DVD and audio book collections, onlinemagazine access, and the downloadable audio books and eBooks. Weare also paying for the two genealogy resources that the NH State Libraryused to provide to all <strong>of</strong> NH.Other library functions that are highly used and greatly appreciatedinclude programs, meeting space for adults, children and home schoolfamilies, and tutoring. Some programs for both adults and childrenare now held at <strong>Town</strong> Hall due to high attendance. The communityevents calendar hosted on the Library website lists events held by mostgroups in <strong>Warner</strong>. The 50" plasma TV funded by <strong>Warner</strong> Fall FoliageFestival and other donors is available in the Frank Maria meeting roomfor programs or events.In addition to the weekly children’s story hours and activity classes,children’s programming this year included a Great Stone Face votingparty, a new 10+ Book Nook reading group, and the summer readingprogram “One World, Many Stories”. Summer programs included aperformance by Odds Bodkin (200 attended!), and Liz Charlebois demonstratedAbenaki dances. <strong>Warner</strong> children read 1,582 books this summer!Programs for adults, hosted or cosponsored, included talks onTilapia farming, a local foods book discussion, a film series, a RaptorProgram, Native Pollinators, Tech Talks on voice commands for computers(Joe Bourke), GPS mapping (Tom Bourgoine) and online Libraryresources (Nancy Ladd), and two NHHC programs (Susan B. Anthony,and Wacky Songs), a Valentine treasure hunt, National Game Day, two84
Pillsbury Free Library (cont.)book sales, and a Library history program. The library also createdcanvas Tote bags to sell, and is selling Larry Sullivan’s book <strong>of</strong> Libraryhistory.As always, a huge thank you to our regular volunteers Edie Rumrill,Judy Ackroyd, Marcia Moyer, Robert Stuart, Margaret Schirmer, LynnSullivan, Robert Aarons and Sally Metheany, and our Youth volunteersfor summer activities Molly Jenna and Leah Bowman.The Board continues to work on improving the energy efficiency andcomfort <strong>of</strong> the original building, while being mindful <strong>of</strong> its historicalintegrity. The old arched ceilings will soon be insulated, repaired andpainted, and windows on the main floor <strong>of</strong> the old building need to berenovated and tightened up.The library website has been redesigned, still at www.warner.lib.nh.us,and we are preparing for an improved online catalog and checkoutsystem, or Integrated Library System (ILS). Funds for the s<strong>of</strong>tware, setup and transfer were requested in the current <strong>Warner</strong> Capital ImprovementsProgram. In 2012, there are plans to acquire eBook readers andMP3 players to lend out, providing access to digital titles for peoplewho do not have devices <strong>of</strong> their own.Of concern to Library Trustees statewide is the possible loss, due toN.H. Legislative proposals, <strong>of</strong> federal funding coordinated by the StateLibrary for the N.H. Computer catalog and loan system, and book deliveryservice. This would shift costs to the local taxpayers and severelydisrupt the ability <strong>of</strong> N.H. Libraries to share resources.The Trustees wish to thank our library director, Nancy Ladd, and heroutstanding staff, as well as all the volunteers and tutors, for theirdedication and hard work. Our thanks also go to outgoing Trustees,Laura Milliken, Larry Sullivan, and Everett Hunt. Thank you also toDimentech.com, for hosting our http://warner.lib.nh.us website, andthe Indian Museum and Telephone Museum for donating free passesfor local use.Respectfully submitted,Everett Hunt - Chair <strong>of</strong> the Library Board <strong>of</strong> TrusteesNancy Ladd - Library Director85