The 1997 Public Library Annual Report forms were distributed on March 16 through the NHSL van delivery service or U.S. Postal Service, 1st class mail. Every public library will receive two copies - one copy to be returned to the N.H. State Library, the other is for each library's records. The report covers the calendar year 1997 or fiscal year 1996-1997, depending on your community.

The information in these reports is transmitted to the federal Department of Education, and is used partly as the basis for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds that the state receives. The definitions are based on those used by the federal Department of Education. Respondents are requested to answer all the questions asked on the form.

There are separate sheets for staffing, ADA compliance, and information for the Directory of New Hampshire Libraries. These are very important reference points for all libraries in New Hampshire.

This year's completed Annual Public Library Report forms and subsequent data sheets are to be returned by May 15, 1998 to Darlene Reinhard in the Library Development Services Section at the State Library. If you have any questions, call John Barrett at 281-2865.