In April, public libraries provided Granite State Libraries with brief descriptions of successful library initiatives or notable budget increases approved at Town Meeting. A number of libraries 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:

Atkinson - The primary goal of the Kimball Public Library was to secure the funding for a new 10,000 square foot building to be built on land currently owned by the library. The architect Dennis Mires of Manchester was selected to design the new facility. After months of meetings with the Building Needs Committee, a design was submitted to the town. The building was to be funded through the issuance of a bond for $1.85 million, requiring a yes vote of 60% at Town Meeting. On March 14th the bond was defeated by 210 votes. On the up side, the operating budget was increased by more than 21%, allowing the library to increase their hours of operation from 43 hours a weeks to 53 hours a week. Also, the materials budget was increased by almost 17%. The budget line for technology increased by more than 78%.

Barrington - A $70,000 Capital Reserve Fund addition was made to our existing $30,000 fund. The $100,000 will be used to renovate and refurnish the interior of the current building. Renovation is tentatively set to begin on September 19, 2000.

Bow - At their Town Meeting, voters supported the release of $33,262 for the library expansion and renovation project that was begun in 1999. The sum of $33,262 was the interest raised from the Capital Reserve Fund that was released for the project in 1999 for the sum of $1,225,000. As of April 2000 the project is nearly 80% complete.

Center Barnstead - Voters passed the addition to the Oscar Foss Memorial Library. The bond was for an addition of approximately 3,500 square feet, which will make the library handicapped accessible. The warrant article was a little confusing but it stated "to raise and appropriate the sum of $697,000 for the construction and original equipping of an addition to the Oscar Foss Memorial Library." The library already had $312,000 in a Capital Reserve Fund to offset this bond and had raised $20,000 in donations. The Town voted to add $100,000 to taxation, which results in a $265,000 bond. Construction has already started and a completion date of September is anticipated.

Chester - The library budget at the Chester Public Library was increased to $73,935 for salaries and insurance. The warrant article passed to build an addition to the present library on town land. A town donor has provided the money for the addition and a second donor has provided the ADA elevator.

Danville - The library budget was increased to $71,797. The increase is for significant salary increases, additional coverage hours, $5,500 additional for materials, another computer, 2 new printers (one color), a new copier, networking, a new roof and paint for the trim, additional monies for training and mileage for staff and trustees. A 4,200 square foot addition, 11 more computers, networking, Internet access through UNH, and partial equipping, for a total of $459,000, which passed with a 3/5 majority vote.

Dunbarton - The budget for the Dunbarton Public Library was increased from $53,410 in 1999 to $57,467 in 2000, or a 7.5% increase. $1,000 was set aside for the future upgrade of Winnebago.

Hampton Falls - The Town of Hampton Falls voted 208 to 7 to raise funds in the form of a bond to build a new 5,600 square foot library on town-owned land up to the amount of $840,000. Budget was increased to bring the Director's position on as a full-time employee and for the library to be open more hours per week.

Hinsdale - Voters from the Town of Hinsdale voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $50,000 for the Library Capital Reserve Fund.

Holderness - Voters overwhelmingly passed an addition to the library budget, which will give the librarian benefits. $3,000 was added to the Capital Reserve Fund, which will go to improve safety features at the library.

Hudson - Selectmen's warrant article approved for 3% raises/benefits to library employees. Petitioned warrant article approved $125,000 for purchase of adjacent property for future library expansion. This is a non-lapsing appropriation and will not lapse until the purchase is complete or in five years, whichever is less.

Kingston - $50,000 was added to the existing Capital Reserve Fund for library expansion, which brings the total to $200,000; $13,000 was approved for repairs to the roof and stonework of the existing library; the salary line item of the library's budget was increased 12%, the audio visual line item was doubled, and $3,600 was approved for two PAC workstations.

Lisbon - The library budget increased from $32,485 to $46,900. The additional money is to cover the costs of expanded library hours. The library has added twelve hours per week. $4,450 was appropriated in a warrant article to pay for a fire alarm system for the library.

Newport - The Richards Free Library had two special warrant articles passed at the May 9 Town Meeting. Voters stayed at the meeting until 10:30 p.m. to give the library $20,000 to upgrade the library's computers and $3,000 to develop a plan to make the second and third floors handicapped accessible.

Northfield - The Hall Memorial Library has begun work on a one and a quarter million dollar addition to its 115 year old library, funding for which was approved at the March 2000 town meetings of Tilton and Northfield. We are working with the architectural firm of Sheer McCrystal Palson, of New London. Groundbreaking is expected at the close of school and we anticipate the site work to be completed over the summer. The addition will nearly triple the size of the existing building.

Plainfield - $25,000 was added to the Capital Reserve Fund for the addition to the Philip Read Memorial Library. Response this year was more positive than in the past. The total Capital Reserve Fund is now $80,000, including interest.

Rindge - The Rindge voters put $100,000 into their Capital Reserve Fund for construction and renovation of the Ingalls Memorial Library. Residents also voted to use $350,000 for ADA compliance for an elevator and restroom out of the existing Capital Reserve Fund.

Salisbury - On March 14, Town Meeting Voters voted to establish a Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of Library Building Renovations and to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,000 to be placed in this fund. The Selectmen and Library Trustees were designated as agents to expend the funds.

Strafford - The Town of Strafford increased the Hill Library budget from $26,043 to $29,421. The increase was primarily for staff salaries and computer costs. Also approved was a warrant for $1,600 to relocate the driveway and parking lot.

Surry - Surry residents voted to establish a Capital Reserve Fund of $15,000 for the purpose of building an addition to the town library.

Tamworth - At the Tamworth Town Meeting, residents voted to appropriate $30,000 as a first installment of three for renovation of the Cook Memorial Library.