33 South Village Road • Westmoreland, NH 03467 • 603-399-7750
Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 am - 6 pm, Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 am - 6 pm, Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm
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Executive Order Reducing the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and Its Impact on New Hampshire Library Users
An executive order issued Friday, March 14th, 2025 calls for the reduction and elimination of functions of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which is an independent federal agency that supports libraries and museums in all 50 states and U.S. territories. This decision will greatly impact Westmoreland residents and Granite Staters.
In our state, the New Hampshire State Library currently has $1.5 million of IMLS money to fund its interlibrary loan program (ILL), as well as the online catalog & van service to support it. In 2024, The Westmoreland Public Library loaned out 573 items to other libraries using the ILL service, and borrowed 501 items from other libraries to support the needs of our patrons.
The State Library also uses IMLS money to provide you with Talking Book services, and Libby, the eBook, eAudio and digital magazine platform. In 2024, Westmoreland Public Library patrons borrowed 1,913 titles through Libby.
What does this mean for you?
This funding, if not available, will dramatically affect the above mentioned services that we currently provide to our patrons, crippling the collaboration between New Hampshire libraries, and drastically reducing access to materials library patrons would not otherwise have access to.
How can you help?
If you object to the elimination of these funds and the functions of IMLS that are specifically used to serve you, the public, we highly encourage you to contact your Congressional Delegation expressing why IMLS and the funds provided are critical, and how it will severely impact the many residents who rely on these valuable services, not only in our town, but around the State.
March 18, 2025
In our state, the New Hampshire State Library currently has $1.5 million of IMLS money to fund its interlibrary loan program (ILL), as well as the online catalog & van service to support it. In 2024, The Westmoreland Public Library loaned out 573 items to other libraries using the ILL service, and borrowed 501 items from other libraries to support the needs of our patrons.
The State Library also uses IMLS money to provide you with Talking Book services, and Libby, the eBook, eAudio and digital magazine platform. In 2024, Westmoreland Public Library patrons borrowed 1,913 titles through Libby.
What does this mean for you?
This funding, if not available, will dramatically affect the above mentioned services that we currently provide to our patrons, crippling the collaboration between New Hampshire libraries, and drastically reducing access to materials library patrons would not otherwise have access to.
How can you help?
If you object to the elimination of these funds and the functions of IMLS that are specifically used to serve you, the public, we highly encourage you to contact your Congressional Delegation expressing why IMLS and the funds provided are critical, and how it will severely impact the many residents who rely on these valuable services, not only in our town, but around the State.
- Senator Shaheen (202) 224-2841
- Senator Hassan (202) 224-3324
- Representative Goodlander (202) 225-5206
- Representative Pappas (202) 225-5456
- Here’s a short script to use or adapt: Hi, my name is _____ and I’m a resident of Westmoreland, New Hampshire. I’m calling to request that ________ oppose any efforts by the Executive Branch to abolish the Institute of Museum and Library Services. It is essential to preserve IMLS services and funding which supports summer reading, workforce readiness, early childhood development & literacy, services to Veterans, the blind, rural and Tribal libraries, access to ebooks, and more. It also supports community grants to address local needs. This funding is critical to meet the mission and needs of our NH communities. Thank you for your time and consideration.
March 18, 2025
Story HourStory Hour is usually held on the Second Tuesday of the month at 11 am. Though geared toward 3 year-olds, all are welcome!
Next Story Hour is: Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, 11:00 am Book GroupEach month the Book Group meets to discuss what they have read.
Next Book Group is: Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, 4:00 pm |
Board MeetingThe Board of Trustees meetings are open to the public, and minutes are available at the library to anyone who wishes to read them.
Next Board of Trustees Meeting: June 19th, 4:00 pm Downloadable BooksThe Westmoreland Public Library has downloadable Ebooks and Audiobooks. See the Downloadable Books page for instructions on how to access hundreds of available titles.
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A Brief History of the Library
Early records show the first libraries in Westmoreland were subscription libraries maintained in the private homes of W. J. Reed on Park Hill and Deacon Jon Cowdery in South Village.
In 1876, Willard Bill, Jr. and Reverend Charles N. Flanders took the first step to provide the Town of Westmoreland with a public library. They raised an initial sum of $116 by hosting a lecture series. The following year, a library association was formed which voted to formally gift these to the town for the purpose of organizing a free library. The town voted to accept the gift at its town meeting in 1888. The books previously held in the private libraries were then placed in various homes throughout the town and freely exchanged.
Almost twenty years later, in 1903, Mary Ruland, wife of the local minister, catalogued 2,955 books and the town voted to provide a suitable place to hold all of these books. The No. 3 schoolhouse in South Village which had closed three years before was chosen as the preferred site. Under the direction of Willard Bill, renovations soon began on the old brick schoolhouse which had been built in 1830. The first librarians were Misses Mary and Carrie Warren.
In 1905, the old school reopened as a public library with a new brick façade and a tower on each front corner in tribute to the two men who had been the visionaries so many years before.
In 2001, the town celebrated the addition of the Children's Room.
In 1876, Willard Bill, Jr. and Reverend Charles N. Flanders took the first step to provide the Town of Westmoreland with a public library. They raised an initial sum of $116 by hosting a lecture series. The following year, a library association was formed which voted to formally gift these to the town for the purpose of organizing a free library. The town voted to accept the gift at its town meeting in 1888. The books previously held in the private libraries were then placed in various homes throughout the town and freely exchanged.
Almost twenty years later, in 1903, Mary Ruland, wife of the local minister, catalogued 2,955 books and the town voted to provide a suitable place to hold all of these books. The No. 3 schoolhouse in South Village which had closed three years before was chosen as the preferred site. Under the direction of Willard Bill, renovations soon began on the old brick schoolhouse which had been built in 1830. The first librarians were Misses Mary and Carrie Warren.
In 1905, the old school reopened as a public library with a new brick façade and a tower on each front corner in tribute to the two men who had been the visionaries so many years before.
In 2001, the town celebrated the addition of the Children's Room.
Book REturn Box
A Book Return box is outside the door for your convenience so you are able to return your books even if we are not open.
Please do not leave donations or anything else that is not a returning book in the Book Return.
A BIG Thank you to Michelle Priebe for painting the book spines on the box. It looks great!
Please do not leave donations or anything else that is not a returning book in the Book Return.
A BIG Thank you to Michelle Priebe for painting the book spines on the box. It looks great!
Please feel free to contact the library with any questions.
Telephone: 603-399-7750 • Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 603-399-7750 • Email: [email protected]