A shout out to the community of North Hampton for your continued support of the North Hampton Public Library.

Thank you for approving Article 10 and Article 20 on this year's ballot.

Sneak a peak at what will be our new web presence. Keep in mind its still a work in progress...  Click!

North Hampton Public Library

Long Range Plan 2007-2010
Goals & Objectives

The North Hampton Public Library will set the following goals and objectives to carry out the designated service responses and meet the community’s needs.

Facility
Goal:  Residents will have a modern library facility that will serve the needs of community members.

Objectives for Facility

Objective 1:  Construction of an expanded library facility that is an integral part of a redesigned municipal complex will be completed by the end of FY10.
Objective 2:  Presentations to educate community members about the need for an expanded library facility will be developed during FY07.
      a)  Presentations will define in detail the deficiencies of the present library facility and how an expanded library would better serve the community.
      b)  Presentations will be given to community groups by Library Staff and Trustees, as suitable.
      c)  Public input and feedback received at presentations will be used to refine and improve design concepts.
Objective 3:  A marketing plan that will showcase library services and enhance the visibility of the Library in the community will be developed during FY07 for immediate implementation.
Objective 4:  A plan for making the current library more attractive and user-friendly, incorporating suggestions and needs expressed in recent library surveys, will be created during FY07 with implementation during FY08.

Collection
Goal: The Library will provide materials in diverse formats to meet the needs of all age groups.

Objectives for Collection

Objective 1:     A plan to improve non-print display and shelving areas for greater visibility and capacity will be developed in FY07.
Objective 2:     Library collections and resources will be promoted using technology and other media outlets beginning in FY07.
Objective 3:     A plan to divide selection responsibilities among staff members will be developed in FY07 that will ensure timely ordering of materials, prudent fiscal management of funds, and greater diversity of materials purchased.
Objective 4:     An annual survey will be conducted, beginning in FY08, which will collect feedback on materials purchased to determine patron satisfaction with selection.
Objective 5:     New formats will be tested as they become generally available, and evaluated for suitability to library user needs.

Programming
Goal: The Library will support informational and cultural programming which addresses the interests of all age groups.

Objectives for programming

Objective 1:     An annual survey of patron programming interests will be conducted, beginning in FY07, to develop an ongoing wish list for program planning.
Objective 2:     Programs will be planned quarterly that address the needs and interest of pre-school and school age children, teens, and adults.
Objective 3:     A community-wide book discussion program will be planned during FY07 for implementation no later than FY08 that will attract a wide range of community members.
Objective 4:    Attendance at programs for children, teens and adults will increase by 20% by the end of 2011.

Local History
Goal: The Library will foster awareness of North Hampton’s heritage by increasing accessibility of historical resources.

Objectives for Local History

Objective 1:     Classification and cataloging of the New Hampshire Room local history collection will be completed by the end of FY08, making all resources identifiable through the Library catalog.
Objective 2:     The Library will collaborate with the Historical Society and Heritage Commission to create a web presence by FY08 for North Hampton history resources, which shall be linked to the Library’s website.
Objective 3:     A plan for digitization of suitable historical resources in the New Hampshire Room will be created and implemented by the end of FY09.
Objective 4:     A minimum of one program per year showcasing local history will be offered by the Library.

Our Library, Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
32 Years Ago: A Very Different Library
This is not your grandparents’ library. In 1973 our current library building opened with approximately 14,000 books on the shelves. Today that number has more than doubled. Twenty-eight programs were held in 1973. Last year there were 110 library programs and 152 non-library meetings and programs. Clearly, the library is an integral part of the life and vitality of our community.

Videos were in their infancy, and DVD’s were unheard of in 1973. Today our collection of 1100 is heavily used by residents. Computers are not only in regular use by patrons of all ages, but they also require a large amount of work space. Contrary to some predictions, readership of books has not fallen off with the growth of computers and the internet.

The town’s population has grown 23% since 1988, but seating in our library has been reduced by 40%. The shelves are full; each new book pushes a current one out of the building. The parking lot can be overflowing, sometimes even dangerous.

Shoehorned Into the Same Building
Every day these additions and changes demonstrate that our current space severely limits our ability to meet the demands and expectations of the community.

To proactively address the library’s current and future needs, the Library Trustees have submitted a citizens’ petition for a warrant article to establish a Library Capital Reserve Fund. This article asks the town to set aside $50,000 toward the construction of an addition or new building. If the article is passed, the Trustees will match the $50,000 with funds that have been gifted to the library.

The Library Capital Reserve Fund (separate from a Town Capital Reserve Building Fund) will allow us to begin saving for the future, while ensuring that Library needs and public safety needs do not compete for town monies.This fund will also be the key to the development of a major fund-raising campaign to solicit contributions from individuals and foundations.

The Library Trustees are elected officials with a duty to develop, oversee, and maintain valuable library services. We see the Library Capital Reserve Fund as a fiscally responsible way to save for a future expansion project.

If you have not been in the library recently, we encourage you to come in for a visit. After all, it is your library, and it is always ready to serve you.

Board of Trustees

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