Meredith Public Library June eNews |
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Library Building Anniversary
On Monday, June 17, 1901, the historic Benjamin M. Smith library building was dedicated. A gift promised two years earlier to be built for “no less than $10,000,” ($357,000 in today’s money,) Mr. Smith wanted the library to be a memorial to his parents John and Mary Mudgett Smith.
According to the Public Library Bulletin, October 1901, the opening was such a major event that former Governor Rollins, former Congressman Busiel and mayors from as far away as Salem and Beverly, MA attended the event.
Known to be an excellent tradesman, Smith made his fortune selling stockings of quality and value. He later dabbled in agriculture producing several varieties of strawberries and made a good reputation for his fruit production as well. He lived in Meredith for fourteen years during his youth before moving to Massachusetts, living in Beverly for many years.
When the library first opened, patrons were not allowed to browse the aisles. When they
climbed the granite steps and entered through the large wooden door, the first room they entered was the “Delivery Room”. A large wooden counter spanned the end of the room and blocked patrons from going any further. The two rooms on either side (now the historic reading rooms where the fireplaces are located) could be used. On the left was a reading room and on the right was a reference room. Patrons would stand at the counter, peruse the printed catalog and ask the librarian to pull a book for them.
The library was fitted with the modern conveniences of the time including electricity, a coal furnace and a toilet room. The librarian’s room, which was behind the reference room, had its own fireplace.
Using photos from the article, the building committee brought back some of the historic feel of the building including restoring the original hardwood floors, getting the fireplaces working again and reproducing the stenciling in the Delivery Room. Celebrate with us on Saturday, June 17.
~Erin Apostolos, Library Director
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June Adult Events
Please join us on Saturday, June 17 as we celebrate 122 years in our building! Cupcakes and free coffee or tea will be available. Join Miss Karen in the Children’s Room for Artsy Saturday from 10AM-1PM. Meet Chris in the Maker Space from 10AM-12PM and learn how to screen print the library logo onto a free canvas tote (while supplies last) or bring in your own item to screen print.
Draw, Paint, Create! meets Tuesdays at 6PM in the Maker Space beginning June 13. Artists of all experience levels are welcome to join this interest group. Each week a still life of some sort will be provided for participants to work from in their own medium. This is a no pressure time to relax and create. You must bring your own materials.
Knotty Knitters meet every Thursday at 9:00AM at the historic fireplace. All experience levels welcome.
Wednesday with Shakespeare featuring John Lin. This month MacBeth Jun 21, 28, Jul 12, 19 & 16. Books provided by the Friends of the Meredith Library.
Genealogy Lock-In Friday, Jun 23, 5-8PM. Join fellow genealogists as we take over the library after it closes to work on our genealogical research. Bring your laptop, notebooks and whatever you are working on. Library computers will also be available to you. We will be having pizza brought in at 6, so if you would like to participate please bring $5.00. Beverages and dessert will be provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Meredith Library.
Chess 103 : Closing Tactics Thursday, Jun 29, 6:00-7:30PM. For beginners familiar with how the pieces move. Registration required. Led by Gary Dehnel.
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This collection features audiobooks and eBooks that have been subject to censorship or challenges due to their controversial or sensitive content.
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The Friends Bookshop (located in the
Library Basement)
Find great deals on gently used books, DVD and Books on CD for all ages. Funds help support library events and materials.
Hours:
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday —Closed
Wednesday: 9-4
Friday: 9-2
Saturday: 9-1:30
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Mystery Book Group
The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths. Thursday, June 8, 10:30AM. The death of a ninety-year-old woman with a heart condition should not be suspicious, but Detective Sergeant Harbinder Kaur thinks otherwise.
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Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Group
The House by the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune.
Tuesday, June 27 @ 6:30PM @Library and via Zoom. Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life until he's called in to travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside.
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Brown Bag Book Group
The Paris Bookseller by Kerri Maher. Thursday, June 29 at noon. When bookish young American Sylvia Beach opens Shakespeare and Company on a quiet street in Paris in 1919, she has no idea that she and her new bookstore will change the course of literature itself.
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We want your scrap wood. Must be no larger than 18" x 20" to fit into our machine and can be no thicker than 1/2". Please call and ask for Chris for more details. |
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Computer Club
Tuesday, June 13, 10:00AM
Senior Center Tech Help
Fridays, June 2 & 16, 9:00AM @Community Center
Genealogy Club
Friday, June 23, 5-8PM
Be locked in with fellow genealogists.
Knotty Knitters
Thursday at 9AM by the historic fireplace.
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Tech Help. Call 603-279-4303 for an appointment with Chris or Matthew. Don't struggle with your new cell phone, laptop or tablet alone. |
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Bookworm Bunch
Story Time
Wednesdays 10:00 to 11:00AM
June 7, 14, 21, & 28
Join Miss Karen in the children’s room for a story or two, crafts & snack! This story time is geared for children 3 to 5. All ages are welcomed! No sign-up required. Coffee for adults!
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Summer Reading 2023
“All Together Now”!
The theme this coming summer is about
Kindness, Friendship, Unity
Sign-up will start Friday, June 29 and enjoy the extra events coming your way! Read all about them in next month's newsletter or check with Miss Karen in the Children's Room.
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Tot Time Reading Circle
Fridays 10-11AM
June 2, 9, 16, 23
Join us in the children’s room for stories, puppet friends and beautiful artwork created by you. This is a fun, warm, friendly group of parents and children, come read and play. Ages 0 to 3, older children are welcome. Snacks served & coffee for grown ups. No sign up required.
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Artsy Saturday
June 17 from 10 to 1
Visit the children’s room today and be creative! There will be lots of art supplies out for you to use. Invite a friend and have a play date. All ages are welcomed.
Snacks Served.
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Humble Grunt Work, a 501c3 whose mission is to recognize and honor those who served, has launched a "Buy-a-Paver" campaign as a fundraiser for the Meredith Veterans Memorial which will be completed this year on the Meredith Public Library's front lawn. Pavers may be purchased in memory of or in honor of veterans and will line the new walkway which will lead to the memorial. Purchase a paver online.
The deadline to order is June 30, 2023 and supplies are limited. A 6 x 12 paver is $100, 9 x 12 is $200, and 12 x 12 is $300. Act now before your preferred size is sold out. Forms and checks should be sent to Humble Grunt Work-MVM, PO Box 628, Center Harbor NH 03226. Learn more about the project here.
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Movies, TV Shows, Music, Comics, Audio books, eBooks and eMagazines via Hoopla!
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Audio books, eBooks, eMagazines from the State Library Collection via Libby. Also access Indieflix. |
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Home Delivery from Altrusa
The library partners with the Altrusa Club to provide Home Delivery service to home bound library patrons. Contact [email protected] to set up the service. Items are picked up and delivered every two weeks by the Altrusa Club.
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Museum Passes
Did you know you the library subscribes to a number of discounted and free passes to NH museums thanks to the Friends of the Library? Browse our list and call us at 603-279-4303 to reserve one in advance. http://www.meredithlibrary.org/museum-passes.html
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Sincerely,
Erin M. Apostolos
Library Director
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