Richards Free Library

Engage, Enrich, Entertain

Newport NH

Richards Free Library Needs to Remove Trees

The Richards Free Library Board of Trustees wishes to inform the public that the large white pine trees and hemlock trees on our side lawn need to be removed.

Library Board Trustee Guenter Hubert and Library Director Sally J. Bernier met with several arborists who all agreed that the pines and hemlocks are reaching the end of their lives and at least some may have red rot, rendering them doubly unstable. The white pines and hemlocks are approximately 100 years old. The hemlocks were originally planted as a hedge, which partially died out and then became overgrown. Some of the trees have a structure that is unbalanced, with many large limbs on the north-north-west side overhanging the historic mansion and carriage house. A storm could cause them to come down on top of those buildings, resulting in massive structural damage. Beyond this, the trees pose a safety threat to the public during the many outdoor programs held on the side lawn. The white pines in particular are prone to losing limbs that catch on other limbs to become “widow makers.”  

After collecting bids from local tree removal services, the Library Board of Trustees is moving
forward to have these dangerous trees removed by Arthur Heino Jr. Tree Service LLC, before they can cause damage to the buildings and/or injury to anyone. Removal of the trees is scheduled to take place December 9-13, 2024 and will be paid for with Richards Free Library building endowment funds.

In an effort to revitalize the side lawn once the pine trees and hemlocks have been removed, Hubert has been in contact with the Newport High School Forestry and Natural Resources teacher, Sam Nelson, to discuss the possibility of assistance with planting new, limited growth shade trees on the side lawn in the spring.

The Richards Free Library Board of Trustees, along with the staff of both the Richards Free Library and the Library Arts Center, recognize the important contribution the pine trees and hemlocks have made over the years as shade trees for outdoor events, and regret that their removal is now necessary. However, protection of the buildings and their collections, as well as the safety of the staff and the public, must come first. The trustees and staff greatly appreciate the understanding and support of the Newport community with regard to this endeavor.

Keep Sarah Warm 2024

This year, we’re inviting our community of knitters to come together once again to create a beautiful scarf for the Sarah Josepha Hale statue in front of the library.

Here’s how you can contribute:

  • Knit a piece measuring 8 inches on one side.
  • Bring your knitted piece to the front desk of the library.
  • Fill out a card with your contact information

If you don’t have your own supplies, don’t worry! There will be knitting needles and yarn on display at the library, generously provided by the library. You can knit your contribution right there. Signs will provide knitting instructions to help you get started.

Need some yarn to get started at home? Stop by the library for a free skein, generously donated by a fellow craft enthusiast.

We will kick off this years “Scarf Season” by celebrating Sarah Josepha Hale’s 236th birthday on October 24th at the RFL! Then it’s time to bring your pieces in and register to be a part of the scarf! A dedicated volunteer will assemble all the contributions into a single, magnificent scarf.

Come and sip some cider at the “Wrap Party” on November 22nd and help wrap the scarf around the Sarah Josepha Hale statue in time to honor her for Thanksgiving. The scarf will remain on display until the first snowfall and will be taken down before the New Year.

When you bring in your contribution, you’ll be asked to fill out a registration form with your contact information. This year we would love to credit contributors with a list that will be displayed next to the scarf! You can also opt to sign up for the library newsletter or express your interest in joining our knitting group.

Let’s come together to celebrate Sarah Josepha Hale and keep her warm this season. Happy knitting!

Exciting News: Join Us for an Evening with Hale Award Winner Monica Wood!

We are thrilled to announce that the 2024 Hale Award ceremony will be held on September 7th at the Newport Opera House. This year’s event promises to be extra special, as we honor the talented author Monica Wood.

The ceremony starts at 7 PM and is free and open to the public. We encourage everyone to come and celebrate this remarkable literary achievement.

But wait—there’s more!

Before the ceremony, you have the unique opportunity to join us for the Hale Award Author Dinner at the Old Court House Restaurant. The dinner begins at 5 PM, and this is your chance to enjoy a meal with Monica Wood herself, alongside fellow book lovers and community members.

Tickets for the dinner are on sale now for $50 each. Seats are limited, so don’t wait to secure your spot at the table. To purchase your tickets, please call the Richards Free Library at 603-863-3430.

We look forward to seeing you there for an unforgettable evening of good food, great company, and the celebration of outstanding literary work. Don’t miss out on this special event!

Job Posting: Assistant Director

Assistant Director – Richards Free Library (Newport, NH)

The Richards Free Library of Newport NH seeks a tech savvy, forward-thinking individual with proven management skills in a public library to serve as Assistant Director.

Our library is a 501(c)3 non-profit entity. The building is an 1899 colonial revival mansion that has been on the national registry of historic buildings since 1984. The Board of Trustees for the library consists of 1 elected member and 8 appointed members. Employing 9 staff members, 3 of those full-time, we are open 47 hours weekly.

With 2400 registered patrons in a town with a population of 6300, we enjoy wide community support. Our regular programming includes a robust summer reading program for all ages, after school programs for children and teens, monthly programs for adults, and 6 book clubs.

JOB DESCRIPTION

  • Manages the library and supervises staff in the absence of the library director.
  • Attends department head meetings in the absence of the library director.
  • Conducts staff meetings in the absence of the library director.
  • Runs payroll, pays bills, does bank deposits in the absence of the library director.
  • Assists the library director in formulating the annual budget.
  • Maintains the library’s OPAC.
  • Runs and manages monthly materials reports.
  • Catalogs all adult and children’s materials.
  • Trains and supervises staff and volunteers in processing materials.
  • Assists with adult collection development.
  • Assists with regular weeding of the collection.
  • Plans and manages an annual inventory of the collection.
  • Performs ILL services including training a back-up staff member in those procedures.
  • Oversees marketing and social media.
  • Orders library supplies, office supplies, and janitorial supplies.
  • Performs all duties of the circulation desk including assisting patrons with library needs including quick reference, detailed research, reader’s advisory assistance, explanation of policies and procedures to the public, room scheduling.
  • Troubleshoots computer, printer and other equipment issues.
  • Trains staff in library systems, procedures and policies.
  • Assists with development and coordination of special projects, programs and grant funding.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

  • Be physically able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Skill in the latest computer technology.
  • Ability to adopt and integrate emerging technologies.
  • Effective written and oral communication skills.
  • Comfort with presenting to groups and teaching classes.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, staff of other libraries, and the public.
  • Ability to conduct oneself with tact and courtesy.
  • Have a sense of humor and a commitment to friendly customer service.
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as scheduled.
  • Ability to form relationships that give the library a high profile role in the community.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited institution and three years of professional library work including at least one year of supervisory experience at a public library is required.

Status: Full-time salary exempt

Salary: 45,000-55,000
Closing Date:  September 6, 2024

To Apply: Send resume, cover letter, and three references to director@newport.lib.nh.us