In February, public libraries were once again requested to provid Granite State Libraries with a brief description of successful library initiatives or notable budget increases approved at Town Meeting. The response rate was good and a number of libraries seem to have done well. The successful libraries are listed below.

Barrington - Voters at the Barrington Town Meeting passed a $30,000 Capital Reserve Fund for Phase I of library renovations. The library budget was also increased by $5,108 for books, salaries, and other line items.

Bradford - The release of all library capital reserve funds was approved by the voters, 288 yes to 36 no. An addition to the present building will begin in May, 1999. This will change the space on the main floor from 1,000 sq. ft. to 3,000 sq. ft. A lift will be added to the building to comply with ADA adding usable basement space as well. For the first time, young adults, children, and technical services will have areas of their own. Groundbreaking for the new addition was held on April 17th.

Dublin - After some debate voters approved the request of $684,885 to expand the library, with ballots coming in at 161 to 48, capturing the needed two-thirds by 21 votes. Construction started in April with the library opening before the new year.

Errol - Voters approved to add $1,000 to the library Capital Reserve Fund for an expansion of the library.

Freedom - Voters favored the following Articles for funds for the library expansion - "to see if the Town will vote to establish a Capital Reserve Fund for the Freedom Public Library for use in conjunction with the construction and expansion of the library, and such Capital Reserve fund shall be known as the Freedom Public Library Expansion Reserve Fund," and "To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $50,000 to be paid into the Freedom Public Library Capital Reserve Fund." These funds will be used in conjunction with funds in excess of $173,000 already raised from private contributions. In addition, the Town voted an increase of $1,000 in the regular appropriation to cover an increase in salaries for the year 1999.

Hill - Voters approved an increase in the library hours of operation from 13 to 15 hours per week. Voters also approved a salary increase for the librarian.

Hinsdale - The Town of Hinsdale appropriated $62,000 to be put into the Capital Reserve Fund for the building of a new town library.

Kingston - Voters approved $35,000 to be added to the existing Capital Reserve Fund for future library expansion; $7,500 to help fund an automated circulation/cataloging system; and 10% increase in the director's salary, 100% increase for library supplies, and 200% increase for computer services.

Milford - The Wadleigh Memorial Library received $100,000 toward the cost of purchasing adjacent real estate for parking and future expansion by vote of the 1999 Town Meeting. The library budget also passed with a 7«% increase.

Nottingham - Voters passed a $320,000 bond for a 36 ft. x 40 ft. addition and renovations to the library building.

Plainfield - Voters voted to add $25,000 to the library's Capital Reserve Fund, that was established in 1997. Total in fund is now $52,200.

Rindge - Voters approved adding $100,000 to the Capital Reserve Fund for future expansion and renovations of the library.