7548-R1_NewGloucester_2019-2020_AnnualReport_Web

The trustees continue to build an Endowment Fund to ensure the future of the library. Only a portion of the interest from the fund may be used and the idea behind the fund is that, no matter what financial problems occur, there will always be money for the most important part of the library: the materials we provide to our patrons. The library is grateful for all the donations to our growing endowment fund, continuing to grow past $20,000. The fund balance must grow much larger before it can be used for its stated purpose. Look for information at all library events. Our internet and web services continue to be a welcome improvement for our patrons. The internet access has been a well-needed resource for those who may not have access at home, in an era of increased remote learning. Patrons also enjoy being able to check for books before coming to the library, reserving the books so they are available when they arrive, and renewing their items online if they are due and can’t make it to the library on time. The library has many regular activities each year. These include, weekly story hours, special story hours around holidays, two adult book groups, one young adult book group, a youth advisory group, a summer reading program, the annual pet show, a knitting group, a monthly 4H science night, cribbage night and the Christmas Tree Lighting and Open House every November. The library also produces one play each summer. We look forward to returning to these engaging activities in the future. The library continues to offer many different types of materials to borrow. In addition to the books, the library has magazines, audiobooks, videos, DVDs, cake pans and puzzles. The library is also a member of the Maine Cloud Library, which allows our patrons to download Audio and E-Books at no cost. This service gives our patrons access to over 9,500 additional titles. If you cannot find something you are looking for on our shelves, staff can often obtain it through the Inter-Library Loan program. The library partnered with the recreation department this past year to administer the kayaks and canoes program. This program allows people to “check out” kayaks and canoes at the fairgrounds and use them there on the Royal River. This has been a good partnership, which has brought library patrons into the great outdoors and new people into the library. Thanks to the generosity of the Friends of New Gloucester Public Library, the library offered passes to the Wildlife Park, Shaker Village, Children’s Museum and all of the Maine State Parks. All passes may be reserved in advance; some passes provide free access, while others are provided at a reduced fee.

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