Colebrook Public Library
The Library had over 21,000 materials go out in 2008. We loaned over 800 materials to other libraries and borrowed over 600. We had sixteen new patrons sign up for the NH Downloadable Book program through the State Library and they borrowed 138 books.
Many groups used our meeting space, including a Dog Obedience Class, Wellness programs, GED, MicroCredit, an Alzheimer’s Group and the Recreation Department.
The Summer Reading program, “G’Day for Reading” was opened with Meg Gilman, The program was topped off with a pizza party and puppetry show “Me and U Passin’ Thru” by Just 2. “Wildlife Encounters” journeyed north with a snake, a green frog and a surprise visit from a joey.
Preschool storyhours are held every Wednesday at 10:00 in the spring and fall. Bobie Bunnell brought her “Music with Rascals” program in November. We will be having her return this year.
The Adult book group is still meeting on the second Thursday of the month at 6:30. We welcome new readers and suggestions.
Anyone interested in genealogy is welcome to come to the Library and use the free “Ancestry” database available through the State Library. Linda Tillotson and Sheila Parkhurst have put together a database of local families in the “Family Tree” maker and are working on the area towns. Anyone with completed family genealogy is urged to submit a copy to the library for entering into the database. We are working to update our obituary folders also and older obituaries are always welcome.
Linda Tillotson has also transcribed the old letters found at the Poore Farm into five binders. Anyone is welcome to come in and peruse.
Father Albert Bellefeuille has left the Library his Canadian genealogy collection. Many of the Canadian and area Catholic Church records are included. We would like a volunteer to translate the records so we could catalog them.
The roof of the original building was shingled and the fascia board on the addition was repaired. The Kiwanis repaired the sign.
I attended the “Turning the Page” seminar in Portland, Me. this fall. The program was sponsored by the Gates Foundation and PLA and was a requirement for the “Staying Connected” grant we received. This grant extends over two years. During the first round, we will receive a new computer with a 20% match. Next year we will have to match 50%. This year’s match was money raised from the booksale and donations.
The Library was awarded $27,000 from the Tillotson Fund towards the renovation of the original library’s basement. We hope to begin work on a handicapped bathroom this spring. A chairlift was installed in the front foyer for handicapped access to the children’s room. USRDA granted us $5000 to be matched with the Janice Davis fund to buy furnishings for the children/young adult rooms.
I would like to thank Claire Allaire, Robert and Sandra Ferrini, and Donna Forbes for processing the books and Phil Corliss for doing my handyman work.
This Library would not be successful without the staff, Cynthia Harris, Rose Hand and Donna Collins or the Library Trustees consisting of; Russell Fuller, Joan Bird, Lori Morann, Lisa Kenny, Mike Godzyk, and Tori Smart, I would like to thank them for their help and support over the years.
Sincerely,
Julie Colby
Library Trustee Meetings: are held at the Library on the First Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m.
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