In March, public libraries were once again requested to provide Granite State Libraries with brief descriptions of successful library initiatives or notable budget increases approved at Town Meeting. The response rate was quite good and a number of libraries seem to have done well. Boards of Trustees were well prepared and able to convince townspeople and Boards of Selectmen of the need for increased funding for public libraries. The successful libraries are listed below.

Barnstead - Voters approved a warrant article to add $100,000 to the capital reserve fund for an addition to and renovation of the Oscar Foss Memorial Library. They also approved the addition of $5,000 to an expendable trust for library materials that will be added to the collection after the completion of the addition.

Bethlehem - $5,800 was added to the budget of the Bethlehem Public Library for salaries, books, and general operating expenses.

Bradford - The Brown Memorial Library received a 3% salary increase, $300 was added to the book budget, and $5,000 was approved for the capital reserve fund.

Candia - The Smyth Public Library budget was increased by 15% and the library director's position was made full-time.

Canterbury - Voters approved a $25,000 capital reserve fund to go toward an addition to the present Elkins Library or a new building. A feasibility study is being conducted to determine the best alternative.

Goshen - The sum of $34,810 was appropriated for an addition to the Olive G. Pettis Library. The Friends of the Library raised $10,000 for the addition which is scheduled to be completed in the Fall.

Hampton - Voters approved the addition of a $15,000 line item to the budget of the Lane Memorial Library. This amount will be appropriated annually for the purpose of upgrading the library's computers.

Hampton Falls - The Hampton Falls Public Library budget was increased by $6,900 to cover the cost of additional staff and a retrospective conversion project. With no dissenting votes at Town Meeting, $10,000 was added to the library's capital reserve fund.

Hill - The Hill Public Library's budget was increased from $4,400 to $6,102 which will provide for an increase in the librarian's wages and allow the library to be open an additional three hours per week.

Hillsboro - The Fuller Public Library received $4,000 to be added to the $9,300 in the capital reserve fund designated for library automation. The salary account was increased by $5,242 and $350 was added to the program budget. The library literacy program Project LIFT received funding in the following amounts and from the following sources: Hillsboro - $13,125; Deering - $450; Antrim - $2,500; Bennington - $600; Washington - $225; Windsor - $150; Greenfield - $200; and Temple - $150. The amounts were calculated according to the number of students from each town who are receiving Project LIFT services.

Hinsdale - Voters approved the raising and appropriating of $20,000 to institute a capital reserve fund. The fund, along with donations and grant money will be used to build a new library during the next ten years.

Litchfield - Voters approved the addition of $13,200 to the Aaron Cutler Memorial Library budget. These funds will be used to make the library director's position full-time, and to fill a new part-time children's librarian position.

Littleton - Voters approved a $14,000 warrant article for the improvement of the library's electrical wiring and telephone system. $10,000 was also added to the budget to enable the library to hire additional staff.

Milton - The Milton Free Public Library budget was increased by 46.63%. This sizeable increase was distributed throughout the budget with additions to salaries, furniture, the book budget, a new computer, supplies, and current expenses.

Mont Vernon - Voters approved the addition of $10,000 to the Daland Memorial Library's capital reserve fund. Also approved was the expenditure of up to $5,000 to hire an architect to prepare preliminary drawings for the library's proposed addition.

Newbury - The town voted to appropriate $425,000 for a major renovation of the library. The library has also raised over $35,000 privately and $5,000 has been set aside to hire an architect to design the renovated library.

Northfield/Tilton - Voters in both Northfield and Tilton appropriated $25,000 each for renovations to the Hall Memorial Library.

North Hampton - The North Hampton Public Library received an increase of $50,000 in its budget. The increase will be used to upgrade a part-time position to full-time, and to raise the Children's Librarian's salary to a level commensurate with other similar positions. The salaries of other staff members were also increased.

Pelham - Voters approved a warrant article that funds a full-time data entry position through the end of the year. The person in this position will assist on Pelham Public Library's retrospective conversion project.

Pembroke - $30,000 was added to the Pembroke Town Library capital reserve fund bringing the fund total up to $73,000. Additional funds were added to the budget for staff, books, computer supplies, and community programs.

Peterborough - The town voted to appropriate $72,000 for the purpose of purchasing the Catharine Sage property located adjacent to the Peterborough Town Library. The money which will be paid directly to the seller of the property, will be shown as an off setting revenue and not supported by taxes.

Rindge - Voters approved a warrant article to add $100,000 to the Ingalls Memorial Library capital reserve fund to be used for library renovations and meeting ADA requirements.

Sanbornton - The Sanbornton Public Library received a 5% salary increase and $2,300 was added for two new budget items - technology support and technological equipment.

Troy - Voters approved a $200,000 bond issue for an addition/renovation project at the Gay-Kimball Public Library. The project will cost a total of approximately $410,000 and is expected to be completed by the end of 1998.

Westmoreland - Voters approved the appropriation of $6,500 for the construction of a ramp to make the Westmoreland Public Library accessible to the disabled.

Wilmot - The Wilmot Public Library received a budget increase of $2,400 to be expended on salaries, books, utilities, and supplies.