Hanover Town Reports
1990-2019

Hanover Annual Report, 1990​

• Howe Library report: In 1900 Emily Howe Hitchcock established the Howe Library Corporation for the purpose of maintaining a public library for the town of Hanover," and her childhood home became the Howe Library. In 1975 the library left that original building (built in 1773 by Eleazar Wheelock, and now known as Wheelock House) and moved to its present location. The new building was designed by the Boston architectural firm of Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbot. Although the basic annual operating budget of the library is now funded by Hanover taxpayers, the building itself was financed by a very successful fund-raising campaign and a loan, which is being repaid almost entirely with income from the Corporation's endowment. Contributions or memorial gifts to the Corporation are gratefully received and are used to enrich the library's collections and services. Photo by Patricia Harden berg The library endowment funds buy special titles which could not be obtained through the regular town budget. In addition, books on tape, music tapes, compact discs, and videos are all purchased with endowment and gift monies. The trustees and staff welcome your interest in the library and your participation in its activities.

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• Etna Library report: The Hanover Town Library has been the official library for the Town of Hanover since it was established as the "Hanover Free Library" in 1899. The present building was completed in 1905. At the dedication Mr. Edward P. Starrs, chairman of the Town Selectmen, said "...and here will be found a fitting close to the chain of Libraries of which Hanover can be proud." The library budget is financed by the Hanover Town budget, with supplements drawn from book sales, donations, and the annual "Love My Library" campaign in February. The Hanover Town Library, locally known as the Etna Library, basically serves the Etna community, but it is open to all taxpayers of Hanover. Patricia M. Hardenberg is the librarian. She is the only staff person at the library. Volunteers open the library Thursday evenings and a weekly volunteer helps Thursday mornings. 

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Hanover Annual Report, 1991

• Etna Library report: The Hanover Town Library, locally known as the Etna Library, serves the community both as a charming piece of Hanover's history and a ready source of recreational reading. 1,416 patrons used the library in 1991 and 3,200 items were circulated, including books, magazines and books-on-tape. 56 new patrons were registered. Storytime was held every other Thursday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Two puppet-making workshops were well-attended and enjoyed by the participants. An origami workshop had the children's area filled to capacity! The Summer Reading Program, a co-operative effort with the Howe and Lebanon Libraries, had 18 readers earn certificates and free ice cream. Evening storytimes were held every Tuesday in August. In addition to the regular budget, new books were purchased with gift funds from February's annual "Love My Library" campaign, the Hanover Garden Club's usual generous donation, and book sales jointly sponsored by the Howe and Etna Libraries. We look forward to continuing our focus on quality children's programs, beginning with the addition of a Toddler Storytime in the Spring. The cataloguing of the library's holdings will be completed in 1992. The Board of Trustees and the librarian offer a special thank you to our Thursday evening volunteers for their help in extending the library's hours each week.

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• Howe Library report: Some major changes occurred at Howe Library in 1991. Here are some highlights: AUTOMATION- After over 2 years of planning and data entry work, Howe Library went online with circulation in mid-October. The new computer software purchased from the Winnebago Company, provides a window to patron activity. We can now keep patrons up to date regarding materials they have on loan, overdues , card expiration dates, and items on reserve. We are now able to tell more easily what materials are on the shelves and available for use. However, we have not yet reached the optimal level of service, as we are working out the bugs and still familiarizing staff and volunteers with procedures. Errors are becoming less and less common, we are happy to report. STAFF HOURS CUTS- Due to cuts in the 1991-92 budget, we had to close the library for 8 hours per week. Hours closed include: 8 to 9 P.M. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 6 to 9 P.M. on Thursday, and Friday 10 to Noon. The 1991 statistics reflect less activity in terms of materials circulation, programs, and reference activity. In deciding which services to cut, we made every effort to preserve the most important services (collection, reference, public service hours) . We added a number of new volunteers and increased our volunteer hours by 3.5 per week, for a total of 1,833 hours in 1991. FACILITY RENOVATION PROJECT- The Howe Library Corporation expended over $45,000 to create a new technical services workroom in the closed stacks, and to refurbish the upstairs workroom. The Town Budget provided $1,600 for furnishings for the new spaces. These spaces provided much enhanced working conditions for the staff. In addition, the Elden Murray Room was redecorated and carpeted, thus creating a more comfortable space for public meetings and library conferences. SENIOR CITIZEN OUTREACH- The Library Director worked closely with Kendal Librarian Barbara Brainerd to provide aterials on loan for the Kendal Library, and delivery service to residents who cannot get to Howe Library, due to illness or weather conditions. We look forward to continued cooperation with Kendal, along with our other outreach sites: the Greens, and the Hanover Senior Center in 1992. In July 1992 we will restore 2 public service hours, as Selectpeople appropriated monies for this purpose. During the month of March, we'll be asking for citizen feedback regarding which hours to restore (Thursday evening 6 to 8 , or Friday morning 10 to 12) . The Library Trustees will review this feedback before making a decision regarding reinstated hours. We welcome ideas and suggestions from Hanover citizens and taxpayers regarding our collections, services, and programs.

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• Etna Library budget: $6,905

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Hanover Annual Report, 1992

• Hanover's earliest public library was not located within the downtown village area, as one might now assume, but rather out in "Mill Village" as Etna was then called prior to its present name being officially adopted in 1884. This was more in the geographical center of the community and the location of the all important annual Town Meeting. The first library was established on June 12, 1801 and apparently had a reasonably large collection of books for that time. During the nineteenth century the library went through several incorporations as well as various locations around the village. Although the outlying rural areas of the town had their literary needs reasonably well tended to by the turn of this century, the downtown village population was still without a public library. Therefore, on February 22, 1900, Emily Howe, forty-seven years old, gave her family home, located at 4 West Wheelock Street, to the Town of Hanover to be used as a public library. This was viewed as an appropriate structure to house a library for the building was originally constructed as the home of Eleazar Wheelock, Dartmouth's first President (see town calendar, month of May) . Some minor restoration and remodeling work was done on the building and the doors opened to the public on April 7, 1900, with about 1,200 books on hand. Emily Howe Hitchcock (she had married her widower cousin Hiram Hitchcock who had earlier in 1890 given the Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in remembrance of his first wife) passed away on January 16, 1912 but left the library well endowed. A brick addition housing several floors of stacks was built in 1914, and otherwise the facility served the community well for over seventy years until sold by the Library Trustees upon completion of the present facility on East South Street in 1975. Both of these early photographs are of the original Howe Library, shortly after it was opened to the public. The upper view is of the front hall featuring the circulation desk and card catalog. The lower picture shows the comfortable front reading room.

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• HISTORY IN THE MAKING AT HOWE LIBRARY: Mary Churchill and Pegge Strickler, the remaining two Howe librarians who had worked in the old building on West Wheelock Street, retired in 1992. Mary first joined the staff in 1949, directly from Radcliffe. In those days, everyone did a little bit of everything: cataloging books, getting books ready to be on the shelf, circulating books, and putting books back on the shelf. At the time of her retirement, Mary's official title was "Head of Technical Services", and her work was highly specialized. Over 43 years, Mary witnessed a revolution in the scope of library services. Somehow she managed to keep the catalog accurate, keep track of every detail and keep her wonderful sense of humor through it all. Pegge, known for her ability to make people laugh, served as Children's Librarian for more than 20 years. Books and other materials for children reflect the changes in society over that time, but the ability to connect the right story with the right small person is as important now as it was in 1970. Pegge' legacy is a children's collection unmatched in the region. No doubt Pegge' s globe-trotting will accelerate to an even more feverish pace now that she's retired. Her culinary skills will encompass more ethnic regions, and her garden will flourish. The Town of Hanover honors these two special librarians who gave 64 years of outstanding service.

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• Etna Library report: The Hanover Town Library, locally known as the Etna Library, basically serves the Etna-Hanover Center community while welcoming patrons from the greater Hanover area. It has been the official library for the Town of Hanover since it was established as the "Hanover Free Library" in 1899. The present building, finished throughout with varnished hazelwood, was completed in 1905. At the dedication Mr. Edward P. Storrs, chairman of the Town Selectmen, said "... and here will be found a fitting close to the chain of Libraries of which Hanover can be proud." Eighteen hundred patrons used the library in 1992 and 3,200 items were circulated, including books, magazines and books-on tape. Sixty new patrons were registered. Storytime for ages 3 to 6 was held every other Thursday throughout the year, and a new series of programs for toddlers, "Tales for 2's and 3's: An Introduction to the Storytime Experience" was begun in the Spring. A puppet making workshop was enjoyed by all; storyteller Becky Graber performed; the Summer Reading Program, a co-operative effort with the Howe and Lebanon Libraries, was successful; and an evening storytime was held Tuesdays in August with local author Clyde Watson reading her stories one evening. An additional card catalog section was purchased to accommodate our expanding collection. The Apple He and its software, generously donated by Howe Library, serves the librarian well and is available to the public. The Board of Trustees and the librarian offer a special thank you to our Thursday evening volunteers for help in extending the library's hours each week. We look forward to continuing our focus on quality children's programs. While the library is a charming piece of Hanover's history, it is also a vital and ready source of recreational reading for children and adults.

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• Etna Library budget: $13,150; Howe Library budget: $378,986

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Hanover Annual Report, 1993

• Howe Library report: The Public Services Division: Circulated 194,000 books, magazines, cassette tapes, CD's, videos, art prints, puzzles and pamphlets * Answered 7,899 reference questions * Processed 5,137 reserves * Held 122 programs * Handled 1,957 inter-library loan transactions * Sent about 70 overdue notices and bills per week * Selected $60,150 worth of new circulating and reference materials * Discarded about 2,000 old books and audio-visual materials / The Technical Services Division: * Placed orders for about 3,000 new circulating and reference materials * Added about 3,000 new listings to the computer database and the card catalog * Eliminated about 2,000 records from the computer database and the card catalog * Prepared thousands of new books, magazines, tapes, CD's, videos, art prints and puzzles for circulation / The Administration Division: * Planned and supervised the rearrangement of all shelving on the main floor to create optimum use of space * Planned and implemented a new organizational structure based upon the team style of management * Prepared budgets for Town and Corporation appropriations and managed expenditures * Scheduled 698 meetings in the Mayer and Murray rooms* Collected and accounted for $13,837 in fines, $31,844in non-resident fees, and $571 from the coin copier66 Maintained 6,892 patron registration files Managed scheduling for 27 paid workers and 32 volunteers

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• Etna Library report: The Hanover Town Library, locally known as the Etna Library, assumes a special obligation to the children of the Etna-Hanover Center community and welcomes those from the greater Hanover areas as well. Once again this year, Storytime for preschoolers was offered every other week. The "Tales for 2's and 3's" program was developed especially for toddlers as an introduction to storytime. These six-week sessions, held three times a year, have proven to be popular and fun! School -age children have enjoyed storytellers, puppet-making workshops and other crafts programs, in addition to the annual Summer Reading Program. Adults, too, have been well-served at the Etna Library. Best sellers and popular non-fiction have often been available with no waiting list. The audio books section, including popular and classic titles, continues to grow. The librarian completed a course in "Reference and Information Services," focusing in particular on the future of reference service at the Hanover Town Library. The tangible result: a current, basic collection of ready-reference resources has been established and is available for patrons' use. Nearly 1,800 patrons used the library; 3,285 items, including books, magazines, and books -on-tape, were circulated ;and 49 new library cards, many representing families, were issued this fiscal year. The Board of Trustees and the librarian particularly wish to thank our loyal Thursday evening volunteers for their help in extending the library's hours each week.

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• Etna Library budget: $13,256; Howe Library budget: $351,916

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Hanover Annual Report, 1994

• Howe Library report: We strengthened and streamlined our team management style of organization . We concentrated on short range goals: * To research and select a new automated, integrated system for implementation in the summer of 1995; unanimous approval given by the Hanover Selectmen and Howe Corporation Trustees * To initiate a cooperative effort among students, parents, teachers, administrators and library staff to address the after-school situation by providing a welcome atmosphere for all patrons * To study the issue of non-resident fees and submit recommendations to the Selectmen for their decision Toward our goal of ever- improving public service, Howe Library: * Circulated 192,000 items * Answered 8,929 reference questions * Processed 4,605 reserves * Held 197 library sponsored programs including a new Toddler Story Hour; total attendance 3,730 * Handled 1,853 interlibrary loan transactions * Selected $63,000 worth of new circulating and reference materials and processed 3,354 new items * Discarded about 2,000 old books and videos and removed the records from the database * Scheduled 841 meetings in the Mayer and Murray rooms * Collected and accounted for $13,914 in fines, $32,285 in non-resident fees and $580 from the coin copier * Maintained 7,822 patron registration fines * Scheduled a staff of 27 paid employees (including an amazing 7 with MLS degrees) and 32 regular volunteers.

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• Etna Library report: Was open an additional two hours each Wednesday beginning July 1 . * served 1,873 patrons from Etna, Hanover Center, and Hanover . * registered 69 new patrons. * circulated 3,377 books, magazines and books-on-tape. * handled 20 inter-library loan transactions. * answered 41 reference questions. * added 352 new circulating materials. * held 73 programs for children, including Storytime every other week; Toddler Storytime for 3 six-week sessions; a puppet-making workshop; a crafts project the Summer Reading Program; a community picnic; and an author visit. * appreciated, as always, the loyalty of its Thursday volunteers, who assist the librarian with many tasks and open the library an additional 104 hours a year beyond what the budget allows.

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• Resolution for the Howe Library: For the past seventeen months, the valiant crew of the Great Ship Howe has been sailing a course with new navigational charts . Entering unknown waters, they have chartered their way with new confidence, new lines of command, and have calmed the raging seas. The voyage has been skippered by Peggy Hyde, with able assistance from her first mates, Polly Gould, Mary Hardy, Mary Soderberg, Vicky Bedi , and Joanne Blais . No vessel can survive the wind-tossed ways without a loyal and skilled crew to mind the lines and keep the sheets trimmed, and the hardy seamen of Charlotte Bernini, Ellen Lynch, Pamela Soren, Ann Mercer, Janice Grady, Joan Ridgeway, Natalie Urmson, Kit Farrell, and Cindy Varnum, did just that. As the crew readies the ship for the arrival of a new Captain, we offer three cheers for the fine job the amazing seamen have done. With the new charts that have been written, we wish Howe smooth sailing on calm seas as it embarks on its voyage into the next century. Let's have three cheers! Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hip Hooray! Moderator Bird introduced Marilyn W. Black for reading of the resolution for former Police Chief, Kurt Schimke.

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• Etna Library now open 16 hours a week.

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Hanover Annual Report, 1995

• Howe Library report: SERVICE: "People Serving People" is the mission of Howe Library each day of each year. Our goal is to maintain our tradition of personal attention while improving service to the public. Our primary accomplishment in 1995 was to maintain the high level of service for which we strive while completing a major automation project. Implementation of the new system went smoothly; patrons were minimally inconvenienced and service was uninterrupted. KNOWHOWE KnowHowe is the name given the online catalog of the collection at Howe. The integrated library automation system, purchased from Innovative Interfaces, Inc. was approved in the Fall of 1994and funded by the Town of Hanover and the Howe Library Corporation. A target date of September 5, 1995 was set to bring the system online - and we met that goal! Intense planning, preparation, and training during the year led to a carefully orchestrated transition from the previous system to the new one which offers many options for online public access: * Catalog of the collection. Patrons may dial-in to KnowHowe (see statistics) Directly (643-0732 or 643-0733) or Via the Internet (telnet to howe.valley.net) * View a patron record (at the Library or home/office) * Renew items * Place a hold for an on-order item or one that is circulating * Circulation function * Magazine index - to over 400 magazines, with abstracts(available by direct dial-in) * Connect to other libraries to view catalogs * Library information * Management tools to assist in analyzing how to better serve the community The Hanover Town Library in Etna, part of this project, has a computer with which to access KnowHowe and will soon be in putting their holdings to form an online catalog to both collections. THE INTERNET: Hanover Homepage Howe Library has been developing and expanding the Hanover Homepage which can be accessed on the Internet at http://www.valley.net:80/-hanover/ To date viewers may find information about all Town departments, schedules of meetings and events, latest important and emergency information, and many links to other homepages such as the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce, Dartmouth College, vital records, and the Appalachian Trail. Public Access Funded by a grant from the New Hampshire State Library matched by the Howe Corporation, a computer and printer are available for public access to the Internet. Howe offers reservations for time online and training -to facilitate using the Internet for educational and informational purposes.

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• Etna Library report: The Etna Library strives to provide materials, programs, and services that meet the recreational and information interests of the community and complement other local library resources. In 1995 the library: * acquired a computer system which provides access to "KnowHowe" and will, in the near future, present Etna's collection on-line as well. * served 2,068 patrons and welcomed 37 new patrons. * circulated 3,661 books, magazines and books-on-tape * added 407 circulating items. * provided Inter-Library Loan and Reference service. * held 67 library sponsored programs for children, including Storytime for ages 3 to 6; Toddler Storytime 18 weeks of the year; a puppet show; two puppet-making workshops; and the annual Summer Reading Program. Total number of people participating: 836. * held its annual Community Picnic and Book Sale in June and Love My Library Month in February. * appreciated, as always, the loyalty of its Thursday volunteers.

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• Etna Library budget: $16,152; Howe Library budget: $403,904

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Hanover Annual Report, 1996

• Article Eighteen: To see if the Town will vote to adopt the provisions of RSA 202-A:4-d authorizing the library trustees to accept gifts of personal property, other than money, which may be offered to the library for any public purpose, provided, however, that no acceptance of personal property by the library trustees shall be deemed to bind the Town or the library trustees to raise, appropriate or expend any public funds for the operation, maintenance, repair or replacement of such personal property. And further, to require that prior to the acceptance of any such gift, valued at over $5,000, the public library trustees shall hold a public hearing on the proposed acceptance.

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• Etna Library report: The Hanover Town Library, locally known as the Etna Library, has been serving the surrounding community since 1906 . Ninety years later this one-room, rural library is a vital, technologically up-to-date institution housed in one of Hanover's most historic and beautiful buildings. The Etna Library strives to provide materials, programs and services that meet the recreational interests and informational needs of the community, and to complement other local library resources. Of note. . . * The library's collection is now online with Howe Library's holdings via KnowHowe . Patrons can view the online catalog by using our public access computer. * Circulation is automated. Patrons are being issued new "Libraries of Hanover, NH" library cards which can be used at both the Etna and Howe Libraries. * The library provides Inter-Library Loan and basic reference service . * Storytime for pre-schoolers and introductory storytimes for toddlers are held throughout the year. Special programs for school-age children include the Summer Reading Program, puppet shows, storytellers and craft workshops. * The community enjoys the annual Picnic & Book Sale in June and generously supports Love My Library Month with donations of new books each February. * Volunteers have rallied to support opening the library on Saturdays-Thanks ! * The library is open 2 hours each week: Monday & Wednesday 2-7 Thursday & Friday 10-2 Saturday 10-12.

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• Howe Library report: After almost two years of study, the Long Range Plan was completed in 1996. It was unanimously adopted by the Trustees and Selectmen. The mission outlines the Library's purpose and is fulfilled through the selected roles: As a vital Hanover institution, Howe Library brings together people, ideas, and information. We encourage everyone to read and to enjoy the resources we offer. We will fulfill out mission by: * Providing materials responsive to users' interests. * Delivering comprehensive reference and information services.* Serving children and parents to encourage their interest in reading and learning. * Supporting schools and independent learning. * Promoting area library cooperation and resource sharing. The Long Range Plan identified three main strategies to achieve the mission. * Building the collection at an approximate rate of 2% annually over 10-15 years, beginning in the year 2000. * Developing a Master Plan to examine the costs and benefits of remodeling the present facility, building an addition for future growth, and parking for all options. * Encouraging the development of cooperative networks among the libraries in Hanover. Another recommendation was to study the feasibility of a major celebration to mark the Library's 100th anniversary in the year 2000, This committee as well as the Master Plan Committee and the Networking Committee began work late in 1996. Libraries of Hanover Card: 1996 was devoted to the implementation of all facts of the new automated system and to bringing the Etna Library online with its collection to form a Libraries of Hanover union catalog. One library card for all residents and fee payers was introduced to provide service at both libraries. The Internet and Howe Library Website (http : //www. valley .net/ -hanover/howe) : Howe's homepage has evolved over the last two years and is expanding regularly to include "hot links" (direct connections)to other website that contain interesting and needed resources. The importance of the website has become a main direction for Howe in fulfilling our roles. Internet training sessions from basic to advanced search engine strategies continue to be requested and scheduled. Volunteer trainers are available for individual training sessions. staffing Enhancements and Changes: The 1996-97 budget approved the addition of 4.5 hours to provide the equivalent of a full time Children's Librarian. The change means more programming and more hours that a professional is available to help in the Children's Room. Mary Ryan joined Joanne Blais to complete the position. Ellen Lynch was promoted to Coordinator of Public Services changing positions with Polly Gould, who requested fewer hours as the Reference Librarian. We welcomed Kris Burnett as a substitute, primarily on Sundays. Statistics Holdings: 70,337 Circulation: 203,325 Registered patrons: 6,778 Days open: 33 9 Reference questions handled: 8,915 Holds placed: 6,409 Interlibrary loan transactions: 2,479 Library sponsored programs: 246 Attendance: 7,084 Public meeting room usage: 790 meetings (plus library sponsored = 1,03 6) Volunteer hours: 2,683 Number of staff: 11.5 full time equivalents Opac (online public access computers) searches: 16 /day average

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• Etna Library now open 20 hours a week.

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• Etna Library budget: $20,411; Howe Library budget: $442,273

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Hanover Annual Report, 1997

• Etna Library report: The Hanover Town Library, locally known as the Etna Library, was named to the National Register of Historic Places in April of 1997. Our mission is to provide materials, programs and services that meet the recreational interests and informational needs of the community, complementing other local library resources. Statistics (1997): Circulation: 5103 items • Patrons served: Adults - 1422 Children - 1143 • Library sponsored programs: 60 Of note... • Circulation has increased by 32% and patron use is up 23% over last year. Our on-line catalog and automated circulation system have made us more visible and accessible to the larger Hanover community. • The library provides Inter-Library Loan and basic reference service. • Unabridged books-on-tape and videos are now available as rotating collections, changing several times a year. • Storytime for preschoolers and introductory storytimes for toddlers are held throughout the year. Special programs for school-age children include the Summer Reading Program, puppet shows, storytellers, and craft workshops. Thank you to our loyal volunteers who began staffing Saturday hours in February 1997. With their help, the library is open 86 extra hours a year. • The library is open 20 hours each week: Monday & Wednesday 2-7 Thursday & Friday 10-2 Saturday 10-12 (September thru May) Closed Tuesdays and Sundays

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• Howe Library Report: Progress was made on the three strategies outlined in the Long Range Plan, 1996. The strategy of building the collection at an approximate rate of 2% annually over 10-15 years is dependent on the strategy of developing a Master Plan to examine the costs and benefits of remodeling the present facility, building an addition for future growth, and parking for all options. The Master Plan Committee hired consultants and presented the final Master Facility Plan to the Selectmen and Trustees in May, 1997. This Plan documents the space needs based on the services and programs residents support and demand. The existing building was built in 1975 with a growth potential for 15 years and a stated capacity of 70,000 items. Today the collection exceeds that number by over 3,000 items, many of which must be in storage. Furthermore, new services requiring space have been added during that time. Both the Selectmen and the Trustees are continuing to discuss these needs and options to develop the best plan for Howe Library. Make a note to visit http://www.thehowe.org - for around the clock access to: • A vast periodical index by EBSCO where you can search for articles indexed in over 1500 magazines and newspapers, many with full text. In additional to general information, specialized indexes are available for business and health; • Howe's online catalog of its collection, KnowHowe, where you can place holds on items you want, see what you have out and when items are due, renew, and much more; • A list of recent acquisitions with annotations for fiction titles; • ValleyNet's new Community Calendar, your one-stop source for happenings in the Upper Valley; • Great Internet sites for kids, teens, readers, everyone! Two new services introduced in 1997 were the Rental Collection and Circulating CD ROM Collections for adults and children. The purposes of the Rental Collection are to provide extra copies of popular items and to shorten the queues on the regular circulating items. A donation of seed money established funding for the collection, which is sustained by the revenues it generates. The circulating CD ROMs are in response to requests by patrons and the high turnover rate indicates this is an area to continue expanding in 1998. After 22 years of service, Mary Soderberg retired as Supervisor of the Circulation Department. Fortunately, Howe will continue to have her expertise and bright smile to greet patrons as she continues as a substitute with reduced hours. Her successor as Supervisor is Kristina Burnett who has been working Sundays at Howe while completing her Master of Library Science Degree. Other additions to the staff include: Dick Murphy, after school Monitor, and Jan Chapman, Circulation Assistant.

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• ARTICLE EIGHTEEN: To see if the Town will vote to adopt the provisions of RSA 202-A:4-d authorizing the library trustees to accept gifts of personal property, other than money, which may be offered to the library for any public purpose, provided, however, that no acceptance of personal property by the library trustees shall be deemed to bind the Town or the library trustees to raise, appropriate or expend any public funds for the operation, maintenance, repair or replacement of such personal property. And further, to require that prior to the acceptance of any such gift, valued at over $5,000,the public library trustees shall hold a public hearing on the proposed acceptance. Selectman Walsh made the motion that the Town vote to adopt the provisions of RSA 202-A:4-d which authorizes the library trustees to accept gifts of personal property, other than money, which may be offered to the library for any public purpose, provided that no acceptance of personal property by the library trustees shall be deemed to bind the Town or the library trustees to raise, appropriate or expend any public funds for the operation, maintenance, repair or replacement of such personal property; and further, to require that prior to the acceptance of any such gift, valued at over $5,000, the public library trustees shall hold a public hearing on the proposed acceptance. The motion was seconded. Bill Baschnagle noted that the Howe Library trustees are trustees of a private corporation, and asked if the Town could pass a resolution that influences or dictates what they can or cannot do with regards to gifts to the corporation. Ms. Griffin answered that she has asked the Town attorney for additional feedback on this issue. There being no further discussion, a voice vote was taken and found to be in the affirmative. The motion PASSED and Article 18 was ADOPTED.

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Hanover Annual Report, 1998

• ARTICLE TWENTY-NINE: (Article by Petition) To see if the Town will vote to designate and proclaim April 7, 2000 as Howe Library Day in celebration of the library's 100 birthday, and to observe a series of related public activities that will promote citizens' awareness of their library.

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• Next year not only brings us to the millenium, but also the One-Hundredth Birthday of Howe Library. Howe Library Trustees are already well along in planning a series of events designed to celebrate this wonderful community resource. There will be several special events, offering something for everyone.

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• Etna Library report: With a circulation increase of 14% and patron use up by 9% in 1998, the Hanover Town Library continues to be an active presence in the villages of Etna and Hanover Center, and in the larger community. Locally known as the "Etna Library," we strive to provide our services in a personal manner, maintain an up-to-date and eclectic collection of materials for children and adults, and preserve the library's historic building. Statistics (1998) ; Circulation: 5821 items Patrons served: Adults - 1675 Young adults and Children - 1 122 • Holds filled: 404 Inter-Library loans filled: 55 What you will find... Bestsellers, current and classic fiction, children's literature, non-fiction, and magazines. A rotating collection of unabridged books-on-tape as well as our own permanent collection of audiobooks. A rotating collection of videos, including, for example, PBS series and classic films. Inter-Library Loan and basic reference service. Storytime for toddlers and preschoolers; programs for school-age children KnowHowe, the Howe and Etna Library's on-line database of our holdings. Volunteers who cheerfully staff the library every Saturday, year 'round. The library is open 20 hours each week: Monday & Wednesday 2-7 Thursday & Friday 10-2 Saturday 10-12 Closed Tuesdays and Sundays

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• Howe Library report: You were busy using Howe Library during 1998 - please check the statistics that follow to better understand how active your public library was and is. The staff, with Town and Corporation support, continues to work hard to meet the demands and interests of residents. A record number of volunteers, including committee members, whose efforts and gift of valuable time help us to serve you better, aided us in countless ways. Personnel: We, staff and community, bade goodbye to Children's Librarian, Joanne Blais, and welcomed as a full time Children's Librarian, Denise Reitsma. Patti Hardenberg joined the Howe staff part time when Pamela Smith began work on her Master of Library Science degree. Program: Howe was pleased to offer a unique new pre-school children's program based on research reporting that when a child is read to for approximately 1,000 hours, the child has a better opportunity of becoming a life-time reader and will be better prepared for school. The program affords the opportunity to read 1,000 different books, selected to provide a variety of reading options. The program was such a hit that the colorful bags, each holding 10 books, are never to be found on the bag rack. To meet this extraordinary demand, we arranged to duplicate the entire program in 1999. Improvements: Improvements were made to our popular new materials lists which can be accessed in two formats: print and on our Website. Cooperation with ValleyNet expanded the number of co-sponsored workshops. The school/public librarians continued cooperative efforts on many levels. Howe received a Library Services & Technology Act grant from the New Hampshire State Library which, matched by funds from the Howe Corporation, will fund WebPac, an easier way to search our collection via the Internet. During the year the number of full text magazines available through Ebsco online increased dramatically at no extra charge. Our book discussions and Millennium series continue to attract interest and receive high ratings from those who attend. Progress: The recommendation from the Master Facility Plan Committee and Trustees to expand Howe from 14,000 sq. ft. to 23,300 sq. ft. was put on hold to enable Howe the opportunity to participate in the Joint Public Facilities Committee with other area institutions: Dresden Schools, Hanover and Norwich Selectboards, Dartmouth College, and the Community Center Task Force. In the meantime the Howe Library Centennial Celebration Committee began planning a series of gala festivities to culminate in April 2000, the 100th anniversary of Howe Library. The Development Planning Committee hired a consultant to conduct a feasibility study for an expansion or new library. It has been a busy and productive year.

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• Selectman Walsh noted that the Howe Library Trustees are looking at Howe Library needs and in which direction the Library should grow over time to meet the needs of the 21st century and its second 100 years.

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• "Mary Soderberg retired as Circulation Supervisor at Howe Library last December, but she'll still be accepting your fine money Wednesday mornings. After 22 years on the library staff, Mary decided this year to step down from the demanding job of managing the Circulation Department. Fortunately for everyone who can't imagine Howe without Mary, she'll continue to flash her bright smile across the desk for a few hours each week. Mary is known for her extensive knowledge of books, her wit, her ability to communicate with the mobs of preschoolers who do library business on her watch, and her commitment to the highest standards of public service. Under Mary's leadership, circulation staff were encouraged to convey a calm and helpful demeanor no matter how chaotic the situation. Her favorite reminder was Willem Lange's observation that librarians are like ducks - appearing serene on the surface, but paddling like crazy underneath. Mary's first career as a nursery school teacher worked to the staff's advantage. She applied the qualities of patience, humor, and attention to basics that are so effective with young children in her training of grownups. Her "students" - everyone who has worked at the Circulation Desk in recent years - will carry her lessons with them always. Thank you, Mary, for your many years of exemplary service to the Town of Hanover. It's reassuring to know that your quilting projects, grandparent responsibilities, and community activities won't completely overshadow your ongoing dedication to Howe Library."

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Hanover Annual Report, 1999

• Etna Library report: The Hanover Town Library, locally known as the Etna Library, is an active presence in the community, providing materials and programs for children and adults. The library's rural setting, historic building and furnishings, and a tradition of warm, personal service evoke an earlier era. Yet its vibrant, eclectic collection of books, audiobooks, magazines and videos for all ages; online catalog; easy access to Interlibrary Loan and reference service; and automated circulation system all speak of a vital, up-to-date institution. New Librarian: Library patrons welcomed a new Librarian in March 2000. Barbara Prince, a Hanover resident and loyal patron of the Etna Library, replaced Patti Hardenberg, who resigned after eleven years of service to take a new position at the Howe Library. Barbara brings with her a love of the Etna Library as well as five years experience running a small, rural library in Vermont. Long-range plan: A long-range plan was completed in the fall of 1999. Goals include: promoting the library's services; fostering an awareness of the history of the library; ensuring preservation of and safe access to the historic building; and providing adult and children's programming. Statistics: Our statistics show that circulation increased by 22% and patron use by 14% from July of 1998 to December of 1999. While our holdings remain steady and reflect the library's space limitations, other indicators, detailed below, show the library to be well used and growing.

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• Etna Library Trustee report: The Trustees for the Hanover Town Library, locally known as the Etna Library, are elected by Hanover voters to oversee the library. Ongoing Efforts: The Trustees were active in overseeing the development of the library budget, approving purchase of a public access terminal for the library's online catalog, and supporting the Librarian's efforts to provide services and programs. Long-Range Plan: A mission statement and long-range plan for the library were adopted in February 1999. With the Trustees acting as the steering committee, each has been responsible for implementing one of the three goals in the plan. The goals encompass service; programming; and preservation of, and safe access to, the historic library building. Survey Collection: In keeping with the mission statement, which states in part that the Library "will be an active presence in the village," the trustees supported the Guiding Growth in Rural Hanover process by allowing the library to be a survey collection location. Meeting Times: The Trustees meet at 8:30 a.m. the first Friday of each month at the Etna Library. (No meeting in July.) Members: The three members of the Etna Library Board of Trustees include Becky Torrey (Chair); Amy Stephens (Secretary); and John Stebbins (Treasurer).

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• Howe Library report: In striving to fulfill its mission to bring together people, ideas, and information, Howe Library encourages everyone to read and to enjoy the resources we offer. In the year 2000, Howe's Centennial, a record number of residents joined us to mark the occasion. Marilyn Crichlow and her dedicated committee organized a celebration to be long-remembered and cherished. Beginning with a home-town parade in September and ending with a gala dinner featuring the Poet Laureate of the United States, Robert Pinsky, events energized all who treasure Howe Library. The series also included programs held on "Centennial Sundays" (and many weekday evenings), a wide variety of children's programs including several with area authors, and exhibits to accompany events. We look toward continuing our search for excellence in public service and meeting recognized needs in our 2"^* Century in a renovated, expanded Howe Library. The firm of Robert A. M. Stem Architects was hired in 1999 to design a building to meet the requirements of the Master Facility Plan. The result is an exciting, inspiring plan that will be the basis for a dialogue to seek public input. Funds for the expansion will not come from tax dollars, but will be raised privately by the Howe Corporation. To prepare for the magnitude of a capital campaign, the Trustees authorized the first annual giving campaign beginning in April and ending in December, 2000 for the purpose of enhancing programs/services. Program Improvements: • Grant received: The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded a grant totaling $96,000 to the Montshire Museum and Howe Library. Seven other area public libraries join those two institutions in a project called "Science in the Stacks" which will be a collaboration to create eight rotating science exhibits and appropriate library materials. • New online databases: Valueline, Books-in-Print • Website expansion: Search capabilities were added for Howe Library (thehowe.org) and the Town of Hanover (hanovemh.org) • Children's Programs: In response to demand, an additional Toddler Storytime was added. Personnel: (Italics note changes) Director: Marlene McGonigle; Assistant Director: Ellen Lynch; Office Manager: Janice Grady; Head of Technical Services: Pam Smith; Senior Public Services Librarian: Mary Hardy; Children's Librarian: Denise Reitsma; Circulation Supervisor: Kris Bumett; Public Service Librarians: Polly Gould, Joanne Blais, Mary Ryan; Library Assistants: Ann Schofield, Charlotte Bemini, Lucinda Vamum; Technical Services Assistant: Patti Hardenberg; Circulation Assistants: AmeHa Talbert, Joan Ridgeway, Mary Soderberg, Jan Chapman, Natalie Urmson; After School Monitor: Janet Thompson. The missing name after 24 years of dedicated service to Howe Library is Peggy Hyde, who retired in April but promised to keep "connected." Her contributions are what make Howe Library the vital community institution it is. Thank you, Peggy!

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• Howe Library Trustee report: The Howe Library receives financial support from both the Town of Hanover and the Howe Corporation Board of Trustees. The Howe Corporation has funded many of the capital improvements for the Library over the years, and is the owner of the current library building. The Trustees are elected by the Howe Corporation membership. The Board of Selectmen appoints one of its members to serve as a liaison to the Corporation's Board of Trustees. Trustees were actively involved in several working committees in 1999. Centennial: This committee planned events for community members to celebrate Howe's Centennial; festivities ran from September 1999 to April 2000. A parade kicked off the Centennial celebration in September and a gala dinner featuring Poet Laureate of the United States, Robert Pinsky, in April was the culmination. "Centennial Sundays" featured a variety of programs— including the Gutenberg Bible; rare books; Women, Reading & Education; investment resources; James Joyce; Favorite Books of the Century; poetry readings by Hanover residents; famous children's authors; "Library Quest", a young adult art and writing contest; and accompanying exhibits. (Marilyn Crichlow, chair) Development Planning: The committee began work with a feasibility study to fund an expansion of Howe Library. Since Howe Library does not have a history of active fundraising, the Board decided to implement an annual giving campaign prior to launching a major capital campaign. A consultant was hired to assist with the development of both campaigns. (Cary Clark, chair) Facilities: This committee has been active for four years. Based on findings in the Master Facilities Plan, an architect, Robert A. M. Stem, was hired for an initial design phase for renovation and expansion of Howe Library. Surveys determined that residents wish Howe to remain somewhere in the downtown area. Schematic drawings added 12,000 square feet to the existing 16,000 square feet. The committee plans to seek public input before proceeding. (Stephen Marion, chair) Long Range Planning Update: This committee conducted a survey to confirm Howe's mission and to verify the roles identified to fulfill its mission. The 1996 Long Range Plan and the 1998 Technology Plans were updated at the same time. The Board of Trustees and Hanover Board of Selectmen endorsed both plans. (Chris Vermilya, chair) Meeting Times: The Howe Corporation Board of Trustees meets on the second Thursday of every month at 3:30 pm in the Murray Room of the Howe Library. Members: Matthew Marshall (chair), Marilyn Crichlow (vice chair), Chris Vermilya (treasurer), Marjorie Boley (secretary), Wayne Broehl, Dale Bryant, Jacqueline Clement, William Hamilton, Edward Kerrigan, John Manchester, Stephen Marion, Paul Olsen, Betsy Storrs, Jean Whitall, and Richard Winters.

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Hanover Annual Report, 2000

• Etna Library report: Hanover Town Library, frequently referred to as the Etna Library, provides an up-to-date, multifaceted collection of materials in a beautiful historic setting. The collection contains current fiction and nonfiction, classics, recorded books, and videos. In addition, a rotating collection of videos and unabridged recorded books is provided through the Library's participation in the Librarians of the Upper Valley Cooperative. All of the Library's materials are included on the online catalog shared with Howe Library. As outlined in its 1999 long range plan, Etna Library maintains an active presence in the community through programs and services for both adults and children. In Winter 2000, the Library sponsored a two-month adult reading program which included an evening with Willem Lange. Programs for children at Etna Library include a weekly story time for 3 to 6 year-olds, a biweekly program for children under 3 years, and participation in the State Library's summer reading program. Special events during last year's summer reading program (Reading Cats and Dogs) included a mask-making workshop with Susan Milord, a solar power program by Michael Daly and Michael Caduto's presentation of Native American stories, music and dance. In March 2000, Barbara Prince succeeded Patti Hardenberg as librarian at the Hanover Town Library. In November, Ruth Baker retired after six years of dedicated service as circulation assistant. The new circulation assistant, Geraldine North, previously worked as a volunteer at the Howe Library circulation desk and is known by many through her active participation in local nonprofit organizations. In addition to its paid staff, the Library is strongly supported by a group of about 25 volunteers. Their ongoing donation of time and talent provides the Etna Library with a special feeling of community. Volunteers staff the library on Saturday mornings, run the Winter Reading Program, and organize the annual June picnic/booksale.

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• Etna Library Trustee report: The Trustees for the Hanover Town Library, locally known as the Etna Library, are elected by Hanover voters to oversee the library. Members: The three members of the Etna Library Board of Trustees are John Stebbins (Chair), Amy Stephens, and Judy Danna. Activities: During Fiscal Year 2000, the Trustees interviewed applicants for the Librarian position which was filled in March. In addition, the Board interviewed applicants for the Circulation Assistant position which was filled in November. Other ongoing activities included supervision of the development of the Library budget, implementation of the Library's long range plan and ongoing support for Library services and programs. Long Range Planning Update: A mission statement and long-range plan for the Hanover Town Library were adopted in February 1999. Developed by a committee of community members, the Library's mission statement reads: "The Hanover Town Library will be an active presence in the village, providing its services to the community in a personal manner while preserving its historic building." The goals encompass preservation of the historic building, safe access to the library, and programming for adults and children. During the past year, the Board has focused on maintaining ongoing community involvement in the implementation of the Library's plan. Meeting Times: The Trustees meet at 6:00 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Etna Library. (No meeting in July.)

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• Howe Library report: "In striving to fulfill its mission to bring together people, ideas, and information, Howe Library encourages everyone to read and to enjoy the resources we offer" (Howe Library Mission Statement). Howe Library belongs equally to all citizens of Hanover; so we may say it forms a link to every resident. Taxpayers contribute through the town budget, library corporation members oversee private funding, and non-resident cardholders provide additional revenue. It's a complex web, with all threads leading to one of the most vital destinations in our civic landscape. In the year 2000, we introduced another way to connect you to Howe Library. The Howe Library Corporation introduced our first-ever annual fund drive. Jack Nelson provided leadership and was assisted by newly hired Development Coordinator Jere Nelson. The fund drive exceeded all expectations. Some of the fruits of the fund drive are already evident: new chairs, cushions, magazine racks for teens, and a special online catalog for children. Coming soon you will see a new family learning center with books and computers in the Children's Room. Everyone involved with Fund 2000 deserves our thanks and appreciation. Expansion/ building plans were put on hold when Dartmouth purchased the Hanover Investment Company properties. To explore all options open for building, Howe requested consideration for property acquired by Dartmouth. Cost estimates to compare building onsite vs new construction on land offered by Dartmouth are being studied prior to a Trustee decision on a recommended site and discussion with the Town Board of Selectmen. The construction of the parking garage across the street and the consequent closing/ paving of streets around it, proved a challenge for our patrons. We thank you for your patience, and we hope the convenient parking will make your trip to Howe much easier. Progress: • Grant received: A grant was awarded to Howe Library by the New Hampshire State Library with Library Services and Technology Act funds, matched by the Corporation, for the purchase of KidsOnline, a graphic interface for the children's collection, and for an experiment with wireless technology. (Total: $9,000) • New electronic databases: netLibrary (a collection of thousands of books in electronic format) and Novelist (a readers' advisory). • Website: the Howe website: www. thehowe.org received a major facelift by Webmaster Ellen Lynch. The Hanover Town website is undergoing a department review before changes are implemented to improve the site. • Children's: A kindergarten storytime was introduced and proved so popular that there is waiting list and requests for more sessions. • Public relations: Efforts to reach more residents include welcome brochures, newsletters, and magnets. • Loan periods: Changed loan times provide patrons with less complicated rules and longer loan periods.

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• Howe Library Trustee report: Development Planning: Cary Clark, Chair. The committee continues work to develop a program for Howe Library that includes annual giving, planned giving and a capital campaign for a new or expanded building. A consultant and a development coordinator were hired to assist the committee with these issues. Fund 2000 was launched and successfully surpassed the goal of $50,000. Annual Fund Drive: Jack Nelson Chair. The Fund 2000 drive began in September and ended in December having exceeding its goal by raising over $80,000 dollars. The success is an indication of the broad-base support for Howe Library as a well-loved Hanover institution. Fund 2001 is being planned for a similar time frame. Facilities: Stephen Marion, Chair. This committee has been active for 5 years. The building plans, developed in 1999, were put on hold in 2000 to enable the committee to consider other options for the location of the project. Following the offer of property by Dartmouth College, the Trustees began a comparison study to estimate the costs of each location. A decision is anticipated in Spring 2001 . Members: Matthew Marshall (Chair), Marilyn Crichlow (Vice Chair), Richard Winters (Treasurer), Marjorie Boley (Secretary), Wayne Broehl, Jacqueline Clement, William Hamilton, Edward Kerrigan, Stephen Marion, Jack Nelson, Rick Nothnagel, Paul Olsen, Brian Walsh, Jean Whitall, Ann Bradley (Nominating Chair).

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• Peggy Hyde: "Volunteer, circulation desk, reference desk, acting director, assistant director, public relations director, young adult materials selector, supervisor of work-study students, arts and humanities collection selector, volunteer coordinator, official photographer .... all are positions people hold at the Howe Library. What is amazing is that all of these positions were at one point in time over her 24-year career, held by one person. Our own Peggy Hyde is the woman with multiple talents and far ranging interests, and she has had the energy and the dedication to assume all of these duties and to assume them so well. The Howe Library as we all know and love it today, has been largely shaped by Peggy's zeal and passion for the library. Her belief that a public library is the bedrock of a democratic society was the focus of every decision made during her tenure. Nothing escaped her keen eye, or diverted her role in building upon that bedrock. From being the resident space organizer helping to find the right space for every Library activity, to being the reference desk housekeeper, to being the editor for Howe's creative publications, to coaching volunteers, to planning Library programs, no task was ever too large or too small for Peggy's creative touch. Although small in stature, the space left by Peggy's retirement is huge. Long dubbed the organ grinder by the "monkeys of the back room", we shall miss her music, her ideas, her passion, and her cheerleading for the library. We wish her well in her retirement and eagerly await her return to us as a valuable volunteer. Thank you Peggy!"