1976 Annual Report for the Lane Memorial Library

Submitted by Charlotte M. Hutton, Librarian

Audrey C. Ross, Assistant Librarian
Rose M. Fisher, Children's Librarian
Joan E. Kahl, Library Assistant
Ruth A. Ross, Library Assistant
Ruth M. Chilton, Clerical Assistant
Kathy Dunbrack, Library Page

As I near completion of 10 years as the librarian at the Lane Memorial Library, I am gratified at the progress which has been made in library service. As director of library administration, it has been my pleasure and obligation to institute new services and expand those already in existence. No library can be all things to all people, but it has been the goal of the trustees to provide the best service possible within a budget framework which can be supported by the taxpayers of Hampton.

A few of the programs in which we are involved include regular meetings between school and public librarians to discuss mutual problems and cooperation; a Lane Library Volunteer Program under the direction of the assistant librarian to utilize the spare time services of area people who are interested in the library, two audio-visual materials cooperatives, one for general, the other specifically for pre-school programs; and our book-buying cooperative which includes 10 area towns.

Our services include the circulation of books, periodicals, records and cassettes, subscription to 6 newspapers, and access to reference materials in our library and through inter-library loan; large print books and 1 periodical; talking book service for the visually and physically handicapped, shut in service for individuals with program materials for nursing homes. We have 2 sessions of Children’s story hour weekly plus special programs for school groups and summer programs under the direction of our children’s librarian. We sponsor an adult book discussion group and participate in regional and state library activities. We have an active Friends of the Library group who have given substantial financial support.

As a result of a favorable vote on Article 37 at the 1976 Town Meeting, a building committee of five residents was appointed by H. Alfred Casassa to study a proposal to construct an addition to the existing building. This committee composed of Mrs. Dona Janetos, chairman, Michael McCarthy, William Barkley, Stillman Hobbs, and Mrs. Susan Tremblay with Peter Lombardi, as ex-officio member, have completed their study and presented their recommendations to the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager and Budget Committee. A copy of this can be seen at the library.

These have been years of change and our circulation statistics indicate that our services are being utilized to a greater extent each year.

1976 Circulation

Adult Fiction 32,772 Adult Non-Fiction 22,248 Paperbacks 7,713 Records & Cassettes 2,395 Magazines 3,538 Pamphlets 84 Juvenile Fiction 20,361 Juvenile Non-Fiction 5,886 Drug books 151 Art (original) 274 Library Prints 344 Films - 16 mm +      347 Total 1976 96,113 Total 1975 75, 397 Total 1966 22,971

I would be remiss if I did not mention the invaluable assistance provided by our volunteers and the dedication of our paid staff.

Lane Library Hours

Monday 10 a.m. 8 p.m. Tuesday: 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Wednesday 10 a.m. 8 p.m. Thursday: 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. 5 p.m.