Richards Free Library

Engage, Enrich, Entertain

Services

What are We Playing At?

We’re creating a new gaming collection for Richards Free Library. This collection will include board games, card games, video games, video game consoles, and all the accessories needed to run spectacular gaming programs here at the library. 

COVID-19 cut into a lot of our programming just as it was ramping up, including our game nights. When we wrote this grant application, we had hoped we could get games into your hands and have you run your own game nights at home while we waited for it to be safe to bring game nights back to the library. Thankfully, it looks like we’ll be able to reinstate library game nights sooner rather than later! We’re planning after school gaming programs in the ballroom, family game nights, and board game lessons (we know some of these rule books can be intimidating!). 

I know some of you are thinking “why games?” Games are really just another way to tell a story, and we’re pretty big fans of storytelling here at the library. Plus, games are a great way to engage teens who come to the library after school, looking for entertainment (and somewhere warm or cool to spend the afternoon). We also hope they’ll be a useful tool for families to find time to spend together. 

We’re planning a “kick off” event on Saturday, June 4th, which just happens to be International Tabletop Day (a big day in board game circles). Join us at the library to check out the new collection, learn a new game, or play an old favorite. We hope to see you then!

17 games displayed on a blue shelf. Avengers, Hellapagos, Guess Who?, Slamwich, Xbox Lego Star Wars The Skywalker Saga, Nintendo Switch 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Star WArs Jabba's Palace, Zeus on the Loose, Paint chip Poetry, Santorini, Cascadia, Trivial Pursuit DVD edition, Azul, Scattergories, Buffalo, Apples to Apples, Ticket to Ride.

We’re really excited about this new collection and the incredible grant money from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the New Hampshire State Library that made it possible. 


If you have a game you’d like to recommend for the library, you can fill out this form!

Yes, We Are Open!

The RFL is pleased to announce that we will now be open to public browsing once again! Browsing and computer use will no longer be by appointment only, and materials can be checked out at the front desk.


Masks continue to be required, and we ask patrons to limit their time in the building to 30 minutes at a time.


We will also be limiting computer users to 2 at a time, and the children’s section to 2 family groups at a time.


We are excited to see our patrons again and to continue to provide services to our community in this capacity once more!


Want to be sure you get the most up to date info about the library’s hours and services? Join our email list by signing up on our website, https://newport.lib.nh.us/

Computers & Printing at the Library

Some of the many services provided by the library are computer use and printing. We have 4 desktop computers available to anyone, not just card holders! Both grayscale and color printing are available at a competitive fee.

There are 4 computers available for public use. Library cards are not required to use a computer! Grayscale 10¢/page Color 25¢/page A copy machine is available, grayscale only

Even during this transitional time, where the number of patrons allowed in to the library has been limited for safety, feel free to make an appointment (by giving us a call at 603) 863-3430, or following this handy link) for computer or printing services!

Express Browsing & Computer Appointments now available!

We are now open for 15 minute appointments for Express Browsing and Computer usage! We will be offering these appointments Monday through Friday 10-5 and Saturday 10-12. We’ll also continue offering curbside services during those same hours. Masks are required while in the building. One appointment per person per day. Give us a call to schedule an appointment 603-863-3430. We look forward to seeing you again!

The 3D Printing Process

We’re getting a lot of interest in our 3D printer, “3D-PO,” and we love explaining how it works! As well as printing out a lot of little white Easter bunnies, we’ve been printing something a little more practical this week: picture frame replacement parts! It is the perfect example of what this technology can do.

This picture frame has a broken screw-clasp.

We were able to work with the patron to design a 3D model of the screw-clasp. Actually, we designed 3 slightly different models in order to find the best fit.

Then we printed out our models on the 3D printer!

When they were done, and all sanded up and perfect, we tested them out! One of them fit! We were able to fix this old picture frame perfectly, instead of having to throw it away.

Good work, 3D-PO!