2025: A Year of Community and Connection
As we reflect on the past year, it is clear that the library’s impact is amplified through the strength of our partnerships. By collaborating with local organizations, we have been able to provide essential health services, financial assistance, and cultural enrichment that would not be possible in isolation. These relationships allow us to extend our reach beyond the bookshelves and into the daily lives and well-being of our neighbors.
Health and Wellness Partnerships
Our long-standing relationship with Granite VNA continues to be a cornerstone of our wellness programming. In 2025, we hosted 11 foot clinics, facilitating 1,080 appointments for local residents. Beyond physical health, we addressed social and cognitive wellness through seven “Wellness Reads” titles, three “Tales and Travel Memories” series, and an intensive eight-week “Matter of Balance” course. These initiatives were bolstered by $3,534.15 in grant funding secured through our partnership, ensuring these services remain accessible to all.
We also deepened our connection with the Lakes Region Visiting Lakes Association. Recognizing a significant need for emotional support in our community, we hosted monthly grief support drop-ins and two six-week sessions. The response was so overwhelming that the association has added a third session for January 2026 to meet the growing demand.
Financial Literacy and Support
Tax season can be a source of significant stress, but our collaboration with AARP Tax Aide provided much-needed relief. In 2025, we hosted 75 tax appointments and 12 sessions for property tax relief. This year, we are doubling the number of tax appointments to reach even more patrons. Registration is now open on our website for these appointment slots.
The impact of this service is quantifiable: by providing free assistance that would typically cost $250 per return at a commercial firm, we helped our patrons save approximately $18,750 in fees. Furthermore, our volunteers secured over $1,980 in property tax rebates for residents. To further protect our patrons’ financial health, we also hosted a specialized AARP class on identifying and avoiding fraud scams.
Preserving Culture and Professional Growth
Our partnership with the Moultonborough Historical Society has significantly enriched our educational calendar. By working together, we were able to double our NH Humanities offerings, bringing a wider variety of historians and speakers to our community. This collaboration also extended to our staff development; our team had the unique opportunity to participate in training at the historic Lamphrey House, ensuring that our staff is as deeply connected to our local history as the patrons we serve.
We are deeply grateful to these partners and to you—our patrons—for making 2025 a year of growth and resilience. We look forward to continuing this work in the year ahead.