N.H. Library Challenge

N.H. LIBRARY CHALLENGE

What is my N.H. Library Challenge?

I have made up my mind that I will visit every public library in the state of New Hampshire. I will visit during their regular open hours, walk through the entire building, take a picture at the circulation desk, take a picture of the building,
and I will get a stamp to confirm that I had been there. I'm not giving a time limit, or any particular restrictions.

"Why?" You may ask.
My answer, "I don't know. I just love libraries."

These Past Four Months...

5/8/2018

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As evidence to why I did not give myself a timeline for this challenge. It has been four months since my last post. A perfect example of how life can just get ahead of you sometimes.

What have I been up to that's gotten ahead of me? Well, I spent most of the winter season working too many jobs. I then spent a month in a graduate course on art history (which was time consuming yet rather enjoyable!), and engaging in other crazy end of a school year activities for one of my jobs. Lastly, winter, I just got hit hard this year with the winter doldrums.

It was a crazy season but the weather is changing and I'm getting back on top of things. Which means, more library time! In fact, I had the pleasure of visiting the Durham Public Library today.

Officially, at this point, I owe a write up about the below libraries:

The Ashland Town Library, Ashland NH
The Kensington Public Library, Kensington NH
The Durham Public Library, Durham NH

I hope you'll stay tuned to learn more about the amazing libraries in N.H. with me!

Such a beautiful day or a library visit at @durhampl. I have a few posts to catch up on on the NH Library Challenge blog! Please keep in tune. #nhlibrarychallenge #nhlibraries #newhampshire #durhamnh #durhamlibrary #libraries #librariesofinstagram

A post shared by Heather Lindsay (@nhlibrarychallenge) on May 8, 2018 at 6:18pm PDT

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The Pease Public Library

1/27/2018

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The funny thing for me about the Pease Public Library in Plymouth NH, is that despite having spent three years in Plymouth at P.S.U. I never actually visited the Pease Public Library. I was very busy while at school with extra classes and multiple jobs so I never found myself with much free time. I returned years later for a conference and made my stop at the library for my challenge. Instantly, I regretted never going while in college!

The Pease Public Library would have been the perfect destination for a quiet space to read or study. It has the most warm and welcoming feel with cozy areas and a touch of antique themed furniture. They have multiple areas that would make wonderful reading spots with big comfy chairs.

I have to admit I also particularly liked their circulation desk. It is what I think of as a traditional 'circulation desk' with classic woodworking and a generous curve.

As I walked through I was impressed with the extent of their collection. They had many fabulous learning resources and an extensive fiction section! Their teen section had some pretty fun chairs, if I may say so myself. The kids room was hopping with a program. I'd say next time you're in the area, take a second and stop in!

About the
Pease Public Library:

WEBSITE: peasepubliclibrary.org
PHONE: 603-536-2616
ADDRESS: 1 Russell St. Plymouth NH 03264

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The Weeks Public Library

1/27/2018

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A logical second stop for me was the Weeks Public Library in Greenland NH. This being because I work here! I started working here in August of 2017 and have been nothing but impressed with this library.

It is a beautiful antique building with stunning features. Some of the things that stood out to me most from the moment I walked in were red and white contrast on the exterior, and the ceiling. Oh, the ceiling!

Which, I might add, is original to the building. What I was also informed by a young patron is that you can take a virtual tour of the Weeks Public Library on Google Earth. I am happy to add, I am not in the virtual tour.

I must say, that beyond just being impressed by the looks of this library I have been so deeply impressed by how much this library does with how small of a space they work with. While at times we librarians are playing human Tetris to move behind the circulation desk,

the patrons are enjoying Mah Jongg, Cribbage, and fiber arts sessions. Young patrons have legos, craft weeks, makers meetings, holiday themed parties, and so much more. Afterschool and sports, kids from Greenland Central School come to the library to hang out or do homework.

The Library is attempting to get an expansion. There is a deliberative session on February 3rd that is important for all Weeks Public Library supporters to attend. Voting will take place in March and all Greenland residents should vote in favor of the library! I don't say this because I work there, but because this library is bursting at the seams and would be able to provide so many more opportunities to patrons if they had the extra space! Support your local library!

About the
Weeks Public Library:

WEBSITE: weekslibrary.org
PHONE: 603-436-8548
ADDRESS: 36 Post Rd. Greenland NH. 03840

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The East Kingston Public Library

1/21/2018

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Some things you may not know about the East Kingston Public Library are that it is where I got my first library card, it's the first library I worked at as a young adult, and it was my first stop on this challenge. This library has been like my second home and the ladies I work with there are like family.

In my lifetime East Kingston was fortunate enough to get a new library. My childhood was spent in the old building, squished in for story hour and summer reading programs, skirting the old radiator when looking for books that would emit a deafening rattle if bumped, and secretly loving when I did accidentally bump it with my toes. My young adult life was spent in the new building as a sanctuary after school and then as an employee, which I am happy to say kicked off my current career as a librarian.

The old library has since been turned into a used bookstore which is run by the E.K.P.L.'s Friends group and is open on Friday and Saturdays. Meanwhile, the new building offers the space for an expansive collection and more fun programming! Other things you may not know is that the library is home to two adorable mascots by the name of Dewey and Read.

Now, I admit, I cheated a little on the picture of the library for this post. I plan on posting pictures from the visit, but I really like these two that I am sharing with you all today. I took them over the summer while on a mission to rebuild the library website and I felt like sharing them. It's also nice to see some green during these winter months.

I've also added some photos from some of my earliest experiences at the East Kingston Public Library!

About the East Kingston Public Library:

WEBSITE:
PHONE:
ADDRESS:

eastkingstonlibrary.org
603-642-8333
47 Maplevale Rd. East Kingston NH 03827

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The Challenge Starts Soon!

1/15/2018

1 Comment

I am more than excited to start this challenge.
It is an idea that I've been mulling over for a while and I have decided now to take action!
I am compiling my list and my plans and will be visiting my first library soon.

First stop:
The East Kingston Public Library

Stay tuned!

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