2022 Year In Review
Changes in 2022
Visitors were happy to stop by during the additional days the Library was open in 2022. We were open three more federal holidays: Presidents’ Day, Juneteenth, and Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day. And we remained open on Saturdays through July and August for the first time in many years. These additional hours remain for 2023 with no increase in staff hours.
You’ll now find it easier to browse books, and enjoy more seating at Library events, thanks to the new mobile shelving installed during 2022 on the first and second floors. These adjustable shelves provide room for books of all sizes, and extra space so they aren’t packed together too tightly. Stop by and check them out! This project was funded through the Institute for Museum and Library Services’ “Grants to States” program, part of the American Rescue Act Plan of 2021, and was facilitated by the New Hampshire State Library.
Savings for Everyone
The total saved by Goffstown patrons in 2022: $1,121,811.93
This is an average of $541.42/patron!
This number was calculated based on the circulation of physical items and does not include digital materials.
2022 Most Circulated Items
The Goffstown Public Library’s Board of Trustees Had an Eventful 2022
Our efforts to expand and renovate the 113-year-old library are ongoing. Privately held trustee funds were previously used to complete a feasibility study (2019) and geotechnical survey (2021). This year, the Trustees received the results of a fundraising feasibility study conducted by Strong Resource Group. We held several listening sessions to receive the public’s input and feedback on the proposed addition. In light of continually rising construction costs, the Trustees agreed to move ahead with a petitioned warrant article for a bond vote, asking voters to approve a 7.2 million dollar bond for construction.
The Trustees participated in numerous community events in 2022, hosting coloring and lawn games during a chilly Old Home Day in June. In August, the Trustees hosted a table at National Night Out to share interior and exterior addition plans. In October, the Trustees participated in the Pumpkin Regatta for the first time, with Board chair Samantha Homan serving as captain and crew.
November saw the return of the much-loved Once Upon a Pie competition, hosted by the Board and the Goffstown Public Library Foundation (with gracious permission from the Friends of the Goffstown Public Library). We were truly excited to see so many people enter the competition and join us that evening to eat pie, bid on pie, and engage in some friendly rivalry.
One of our proudest moments as a Board was the successful nomination of Dianne Hathaway for the New Hampshire Library Trustee’s Association “Library Director of the Year” award. This honor follows the 2019 recognition of the Goffstown Public Library as Library of the Year. We are thrilled to see Dianne’s dedication, knowledge, and experience recognized, and touched by how many people joined us at the award presentation in September.
The trustees are planning more events and activities in 2023. Keep an eye on the library’s website and Facebook page for details.
