Weeks Memorial Library![]() Hours: Monday, Wednesday 1:00-4:30pm & 7-9pm Tuesday, Thursday 9:00am - 4:30pm Friday 1:00-4:30pm Saturday 10:00am - Noon Phone: 603-788-3352 We're at 128 Main Street, between the Post Office & the park. Email us at: Barbara Robarts, Library Director Ronnie Buckman, Youth Services Librarian General Info ONLINE CATALOG: https://weekslib.nhais.bywatersolutions.com/
NH DOWNLOADABLE BOOKS: https://nhsl.libguides.com/nhdbpatron LETTER FROM TRUSTEES REGARDING INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES FUNDINGMarch 25, 2025
Dear Library Patrons, As trustees of William D. Weeks Memorial Library in Lancaster NH, our primary responsibilities are to “advocate for the library and the services it provides to our community, and to ensure that sufficient funds are available to support these services” (NH Library Trustees Association Manual).In that vein, we want to alert you to a recent Executive Order that could have devastating effects on public libraries throughout the Granite State and the nation – especially those located in smaller towns and rural areas. On Friday, March 14th, President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14238, which states that “the non-statutory components and functions of [the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)] shall be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law,” and “shall reduce the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law.” The head of the IMLS is required to submit a report to the Director of OMB within seven (7) days “confirming full compliance with this order and explaining which components or functions of [the agency], if any, are statutorily required and to what extent.” The IMLS’s entire budget for fiscal 2024 was $294.8 million (IMLS Budget Table FY 2023 – FY 2025) which represents .003% of the entire federal budget. It distributes congressionally approved funds to state libraries and to library, museum, and archives programs. Over 92% of IMLS’s budget, $272.2 million, went to direct support of museums, libraries and archives throughout the United States. New Hampshire’s share of that amount in 2024 was over $1.5 million. IMLS is the only federal agency for libraries. Among the services offered by New Hampshire’s public libraries that rely on IMLS support are:
The William D. Weeks Memorial Library uses the New Hampshire Automated Information System for access to the NH State Library Catalog to locate and borrow materials contained in other libraries who also use this system as part of the Inter-Library Loan system. On average, our library borrows 500 materials for patrons through ILS, and lends 1000 items to other libraries for their use. The exchange of these materials is made possible through the NH State Library using funds provided to them through IMLS. In addition, in 2024 our patrons borrowed 2870 audiobooks, 2625 ebooks, and 548 electronic magazines through the Overdrive/Libby downloadable book program through the NH State Library. No part of these services were paid for through our local library budget. Obviously, this is of great concern to us as trustees whose job is to support the library and its services, and to do so in a way that is fiscally responsible. If you also share these concerns, please consider contacting your elected representatives at the federal and state level and ask that this funding, and the services that it pays for, not be disrupted. Thank you, The Trustees of the William D. Weeks Memorial Library Linda Hutchins, Jon Dugan-Henriksen. Michael Nadeau Barbara Robarts - Library Director Ronnie Buckman - Youth Services Librarian |
Discover...![]() More than a beautiful repository of over 62,000 books, magazines and videos, Weeks Memorial Library is where youth, teens, and adults gather for educational and sharing opportunities as well as just plain fun. We're a place where your library card allows you to borrow not just books, but magazines, DVDs, audio books, videotapes, and e-books (using your favorite e-reader).
You're welcome to use our computers and printers, and access the Internet using our WiFi connection. And, if you're looking to add some branches and leaves to your family tree, we have extensive genealogy records. No matter what else changes, Weeks Memorial Library is a place where people gather. Keep current with what's happening at the library by: - Checking the calendar regularly or - Liking the Weeks Memorial Library on Facebook NOTICE: The Children's Room will be closed Thursday, April 10 and Friday, April 11 for construction.
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