Richards Free Library Blog

The library recently hosted a gingerbread workshop using graham crackers and assorted candies. The results were very creative! (Pictures from top to bottom)

Gingerbread village, Alicia's gingerbread retreat, Jacob's chicken coop and Jordan's gingerbread villa!

For the past six months patrons have been able to search the Internet even when all of the library’s computer stations are in use.  The library now has seven new laptops which were made possible by a grant from the Newport Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

 The library rearranged the reference area to provide seating that allows laptops users to access the Internet or to a printer through the library’s wireless connection.  Now, during the after school rush on computers fourteen people may be working on library computers in our reference area.  You may also see people using their own laptops throughout the building.

 Because the laptops are equipped with Windows Vista they allow patrons to try out the new operating system before upgrading or buying new computers; and makes it easier for the staff to help patrons with questions about Vista.  The software and set up of the laptops give the library staff greater flexibility when patrons need to download or upload files to or from various disks or portable drives.

 The laptops are wonderful training tools.  They are used for the library’s one-on-one computer training.  The staff can create a computer lab by taking all seven laptops to the ballroom for group classes.  Program presenters have used a laptop connected to and LCD projector to project to illustrate their lectures.

 All you need to use a laptop in the building is a Richards Free Library card in good standing.

On December 4^th, the Richards Free Library presented the 9^th annual Pamela Gay Award for Volunteerism to Marty Lovely at the annual Volunteer Tea held in the library’s third floor ballroom..

            Marty Lovely has been active in the library for over 30 years.  She has served four terms on the Board of Trustees of the Library and was served on the 2006 renovation committee.  Her volunteer spirit is demonstrated in many ways. She covers books, donates her computer and calligraphy skills whenever the library asks, leads book discussions, makes refreshments and made all the tablecloths in this room.  She is actively involved in the Friends of the Library and for more years than she can remember, has helped sort and price every book for the annual library festival. She has even appeared with tattoos in the library’s Mystery Night Fundraiser where she played the literary critic.

            The Award is named in honor of Pamela Gay, who before her death volunteered countless hours at the library and exemplified the true spirit of volunteerism not only at the library but several other area organizations.