Richards Free Library

Engage, Enrich, Entertain

About Us

From the Desk of the Director

I am honored and thankful to be appointed the new Library Director at the Richards Free Library in Newport, NH. For the past three years, as Assistant Director, I have worked closely with our amazing staff and patrons, learning so much along the way. When I stepped into the role of Interim Director 4 weeks ago, I was truly humbled by the trust and support from our community, our library staff, and our Board of Trustees. As the new Library Director, I am committed to upholding the high standards of service and excellence for which our library is known.

To our patrons, I want you to know that I am dedicated to you and our community. The Richards Free Library is more than just a place to borrow books; it is a hub of knowledge, creativity, and connection. I will work hard to make sure the library continues to be an important part of our community and that every visitor feels welcome. Thank you for your continued trust and support as we start this new chapter together.

Sally Bernier

Generous Donation to cover 20 non-resident card fees for Croydon youth

Thanks to an incredibly generous donation, 20 Croydon residents ages 15 and younger can get library cards at the Richards Free Library for free! Normally a non-resident card costs $50, which matches the tax rate residents contribute to the library. Croydon does not have its own public library, so residents must pay a non-resident rate at another local library.

If you have questions about getting a library card, please e-mail us at rfl@newport.lib.nh.us

For sale at the library!

Next time you visit the library, be sure to check out our sale section. We’ve always had books for sale in this spot, but we’ve added greeting cards, postcards, and our brand new library tote bag!

All profits benefit the Richards Free Library and help support the growth of our collections and programs.

Thank you, Janice! Happy National Library Outreach Day!

We are so thankful for our amazing Outreach Coordinator, Janice. Did you know she delivers books and other library materials to patrons who can’t come to the library? You can e-mail her at outreach@newport.lib.nh.us to be added to her route or to ask any questions. She makes deliveries and pickups on Fridays!

Thank you, Janice, for all that you do to keep the library services available to everyone in the community!

The RFL Needs Help with the Roof!

Dear Patrons, Supporters and Friends, 

Can you imagine a worse place for a water leak than a library full of books and an art gallery full of photos and paintings? For several years the Richards Free Library and the Library Arts Center have been battling leaks with repeated repairs that didn’t solve the long term problems. 

On February 9th the Board of Trustees of the RFL met to review bids and chose to work with GDC Slate and Copper, a roofing company with experience and great references for working on historic buildings. Their inspection prior to bidding was done comprehensively with drone technology and showed 37 areas needing work on the Library and the Arts Center. They will make repairs to slate, to copper roofing, to rubber roofing, to flashing, to chimney and to wood work. Please feel free to view some pictures of the issues (Courtesy of GDC Slate and Copper 2/3/23). 

Slate maintenance ½ of mortar joints Failed main seam & Open wall at EPDM seam failure missing perimeter seams transition of dormer 

The comprehensive bid to make all repairs is $216,000. The Library’s Memorial Fund that was left by the Rollins family for maintenance of the RFL will cover $21,600 and GDC has awarded a $5,000 grant for this historic building project. 

In recognition of the value of the Library and Library Arts Center to the Newport Community, the Newport Board of Selectmen agreed to include in the town budget a separate warrant article for $189,400 so that the roofs of our buildings can be completely repaired and their precious contents protected. 

The Richards Free Library and Library Arts Center are asking for your support! Deliberative Session: April 4 6pm Newport Middle High School. At this session the warrant article could be amended. Town Meeting: May 9 8-7 Newport Middle High School. Please Vote Yes.