New knitting group at the Lane Library

Beginning on Jan 31 and headed by instructor Linda Gebhart, this group will meet for 6 months on the last Thursday of the month in the downstairs Lane Room from 1 - 3 PM. Free of charge and open to everyone, this is a great chance to learn how to knit or brush up your skills on this rewarding hand craft. If you're looking for some new ideas while making new friends, this group is for you. Basic supplies & instructions will be available to get you started, or bring a project you are already knitting. For more information, stop by or call the library at 926-3368.

Fine-free library a profitable idea

Trustees find 'conscience donation' a positive revenue generator
By Patrick Cronin
Seacoast Sunday
January 13, 2008
(Republished here with permission)

A grown-up Al Bundy returns an overdue library book he took out when he was a kid and ends up owing $2,163 in late fees for the "Little Engine That Could."

While that exaggerated scenario played out on television's "Married with Children," everyone can relate to having an overdue book.

But the days of fines at libraries may be a thing of the past, with more and more libraries choosing to do away with the overdue book fines.

The Lane Memorial Library in Hampton recently enacted an end to fines, joining the practice in place at Stratham and North Hampton public libraries.

Greenland, Epping and other smaller communities have implemented the same policy at their libraries.

Bill Teschek, acting director of Lane Memorial Library, said fines were replaced with a "conscience donation" box on a trial basis in April.

It was so successful that the library trustees made it permanent at their December meeting.

"I think the biggest reason why we made the change is because fines are so negative and people can be turned off by them," Teschek said. "We wanted to make their experience at the library a positive one."

And while they thought they would lose a lot of revenue that is usually used to purchase more books, the opposite occurred.

"We have found that people have been donating more," according to Teschek.

Being more user-friendly has also increased traffic and has benefited staff, which no longer has to "nickle and dime" patrons.

"We want to encourage people to come in and not give them a reason not to," Teschek said.

When the library did have fines, it had what is called "amnesty weeks" in which patrons holding on to books for fear of big fines could return them without any monetary penalty.

"It worked," Teschek said. "That just goes to prove that library fines can just as often be a deterrent to getting items back as it is an incentive."

A fines-free policy doesn't mean users are responsibility-free.

"We still charge for lost or damaged books," Teschek said.

Susan Grant, co-director of the North Hampton Public Library, said it has had no fines since 2006.

Like the Lane Memorial Library, it also has the "conscience donation." And what it has lost in revenue for overdue items the library has gained in good will.

Grant is quick to acknowledge that North Hampton's policy would not work everywhere, especially in a city.

"We are a small library in a small town where everyone knows everyone," Grant said. "I know all the patrons by name, and they are more than willing to contribute to the library without being asked to pay a fine."

Interim Library Director Named in Hampton

Shirley Barron to Fill in For Catherine Redden
By Patrick Cronin
Courtesy of The Hampton Union, Tuesday, January 8, 2007
(Republished here with permission)

HAMPTON -- The trustees of the Lane Memorial Library recently hired an interim director to fill in for Catherine Redden, who has been out on medical leave since June.

Bridgit Valgenti, chairwoman of the trustees, said the board unanimously voted at its December meeting to hire Shirley Barron.

Barron, who worked as the interim director at the Hollis Social Library in Hollis, will serve in the position until Redden is able to return to work.

"Catherine is on medical leave and is not being replaced," Valgenti. "She is a great director and we hope she will come back soon."

Valgenti said the trustees felt they could go no longer operate without having a permanent person in that position.
Redden has been out on medical leave for undisclosed medical reasons since June 15.

Valgenti said Assistant Library Director Bill Teschek has been doing double duty for the last six months. Not only has he been doing his normal duties but also serving as acting library director.

"The staff has done wonderfully in her absence but it's been long enough," Valgenti said. "This was our time frame when we said we would look for someone on an interim basis."

Barron, who has officially accepted the job, will be working only 34 hours a week.

"She was a wonderful candidate," Valgenti said. Her references spoke very highly of her."

Valentine's Sweetheart Tea Scheduled for February 9th

The fourth annual Valentine’s Sweetheart Tea will be held Saturday, February 9, at the library.

Hosted by the Friends of the Lane Library, this program is free of charge and is open to children ages three through eight, each accompanied by an adult.  
Once again, due to the popularity of the event, two seatings will be held.  The morning tea time is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to noon, and the afternoon tea time will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

“Last year, forty children attended the Valentine’s Tea, and we look forward to another great turnout,” comments Arlenea Batchelder who is chairing the event for the Friends.  “The Sweetheart Tea is a very festive event, and it’s delightful to see the children dressed up and using real china for the special occasion.”
In addition to enjoying a delicious array of finger foods and desserts, participants will put their artistic skills to work creating Valentine’s crafts and enjoy storytime with Children’s Librarian Paulina Shadowens.

Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. To sign-up or for additional information, stop by the Lane Library Children’s Room.

The Valentine’s Sweetheart Tea is one of many events organized by the Friends, a volunteer organization that sponsors speakers, exhibits, special events and fundraisers for the benefit of the library.  For more information or to join the Friends, visit its website, or contact the Lane Memorial Library, 926-3368.


Kacey Morris

Share a story with Tosca, the Reading Dog

On Thursday afternoon, January 17th, from 4:30-5:15, Tosca the Labradoodle will come to hear stories read to her.

Sessions are 15 minutes long, and patrons are urged to call in advance to save a timeslot. Tosca is utterly sweet and LOVES kids and the books they read.

Please call the Children's Room at 926-4729.