MISSION STATEMENT
It is the mission of the Northwood Libraries to serve as a community center connecting people of all ages and backgrounds to impartial resources, programs, services, and technology that encourage literacy, develop a lifelong quest for learning, and expand life experiences and knowledge.
It is the mission of the Northwood Libraries to serve as a community center connecting people of all ages and backgrounds to impartial resources, programs, services, and technology that encourage literacy, develop a lifelong quest for learning, and expand life experiences and knowledge.
Library HoursMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday
10:00am-11:45am, 12:30-6:00pm CLOSED FOR LUNCH Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 11:45am-12:30pm Saturday 10:00am - 1:00pm |
Visit Us8 Mountain Ave,
Northwood, NH, 03261 |
Contact UsPhone: (603)942-5472
Fax: (603) 942-5132 |
Services
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Shirefest Medieval Renaissance Faire
Oscar Foss Memorial Library, Barnstead
Saturday, August 15, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Join us for the third annual Shirefest Renaissance Faire on Saturday, August 15, at the Oscar Foss Memorial Library in Barnstead. This special event celebrates the conclusion of our summer reading program and the wonderful partnerships we share with local libraries throughout our area. A day of whimsy awaits with tasty food and drink, hands-on activities, magical discoveries, and plenty of unexpected delights. You can craft your own sword and shield, weave a flower crown, and enjoy face painting fit for any wandering hero. Along the way, you’ll also find local herb-lore, a StoryWalk, trinket trading, a scavenger hunt, a costume contest, musical performances, and local vendors offering unique treasures. Gather your fellow adventurers and join us for a day of imagination, creativity, and community as we celebrate another successful summer of reading!
Shirefest Medieval Renaissance Faire Crafts
Wednesday, August 12, 2:00-4:00 PM
Step into a world of imagination and creativity during our special Shirefest Medieval Renaissance Faire craft program! Join us at the library for a festive hands-on activity where participants can create a medieval-inspired craft and celebrate the spirit of the faire. Gather your family and friends, let your creativity shine, and take home a handmade treasure worthy of any kingdom.
Step Back in Time with Our Antique Toy Display
Summer has always been a season for play! Have you seen the fascinating display of antique toys dating from approximately 90 to 140 years ago at the Chesley Memorial Library? The collection offers a glimpse into childhood years ago, showcasing the simple pleasures that entertained children long before electronics and video games. As you browse the display, imagine the children who once played with these treasured toys and consider how play has changed—and how it has stayed the same. Toys have always had a special way of bringing families together and creating lasting memories.
We'd love to hear about your favorite childhood toy! Did you have a beloved teddy bear, a favorite doll, a treasured train set, or a toy you carried everywhere? Share your memories with us by sending a photograph and/or a short story about your favorite toy to chesleylib.com or drop them off at the library. Stop by the library to enjoy this charming collection before the end of the month and take a nostalgic journey through the toys that delighted children in the past. We are grateful to Pam Sanderson for generously sharing this treasured collection with the community.
We'd love to hear about your favorite childhood toy! Did you have a beloved teddy bear, a favorite doll, a treasured train set, or a toy you carried everywhere? Share your memories with us by sending a photograph and/or a short story about your favorite toy to chesleylib.com or drop them off at the library. Stop by the library to enjoy this charming collection before the end of the month and take a nostalgic journey through the toys that delighted children in the past. We are grateful to Pam Sanderson for generously sharing this treasured collection with the community.
Tech Support at the Chesley Memorial Library
Chesley Memorial Library recently welcomed local resident Ryan Reeves as the new Technology Librarian. Ryan's role is to support the library's daily operations while also providing technology assistance to members of the community. He is available to help with questions about personal devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers, as well as other technology-related issues. Whether you need help troubleshooting a problem, learning a new app, or becoming more comfortable with your devices, Ryan is here to help.
At this time, Ryan is available at the library Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10am-11:45am and 12:30-3:30pm. These reduced hours are the result of the town operating under a default budget. The library is hopeful that, once a new budget is approved, Ryan's hours can be expanded to better serve the community.
Community members are encouraged to stop by during Ryan's scheduled hours with their technology questions. The library is excited to offer this valuable service and looks forward to helping patrons build confidence in using today's technology.
Chesley Memorial Library recently welcomed local resident Ryan Reeves as the new Technology Librarian. Ryan's role is to support the library's daily operations while also providing technology assistance to members of the community. He is available to help with questions about personal devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers, as well as other technology-related issues. Whether you need help troubleshooting a problem, learning a new app, or becoming more comfortable with your devices, Ryan is here to help.
At this time, Ryan is available at the library Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10am-11:45am and 12:30-3:30pm. These reduced hours are the result of the town operating under a default budget. The library is hopeful that, once a new budget is approved, Ryan's hours can be expanded to better serve the community.
Community members are encouraged to stop by during Ryan's scheduled hours with their technology questions. The library is excited to offer this valuable service and looks forward to helping patrons build confidence in using today's technology.
BOOK DISCUSSION BREAKFAST AT THE JEFFERSON
Who says book discussions have to happen after dinner? Last month, our Book Discussion Group traded an evening meeting for breakfast at The Jefferson, where the coffee was hot, the breakfast was delicious, and the conversation about books was even better. Between bites and plenty of laughter, members shared their thoughts and enjoyed a wonderful morning together. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make our breakfast book chat such a fun success!
SUMMER MEALS
With the price of food skyrocketing, Northwood families with children under the age of 18 years can participate in the Summer Meals program at the Chesley Memorial Library on Thursdays from June 25,2026, to August 27, 2026. Members of the Community Action Partnership will be in the library parking lot every Thursday from 4:00-5:30pm and families will drive away with free bags of fresh fruit, vegetables, milk, grains and proteins for healthy breakfasts and lunches. The meals are provided by a federal program through the USDA. No registration required, but all children in the household will need to be present for the first pickup.
With the price of food skyrocketing, Northwood families with children under the age of 18 years can participate in the Summer Meals program at the Chesley Memorial Library on Thursdays from June 25,2026, to August 27, 2026. Members of the Community Action Partnership will be in the library parking lot every Thursday from 4:00-5:30pm and families will drive away with free bags of fresh fruit, vegetables, milk, grains and proteins for healthy breakfasts and lunches. The meals are provided by a federal program through the USDA. No registration required, but all children in the household will need to be present for the first pickup.
Plant a Seed, Read!
As another successful Summer Reading Program comes to a close, Chesley Memorial Library would like to thank everyone who participated in this year's "Plant a Seed…Read!" program. This year the theme celebrated the idea that while farms grow food to nourish our bodies, libraries grow ideas to nourish our minds. Throughout the summer, readers of all ages planted the seeds of new interests, discovered exciting stories, and cultivated a love of learning through books, hands-on activities, and weekly programs.
We are especially grateful to the Friends of the Northwood Libraries, whose generous sponsorship of weekly gift card prizes helped make the program even more exciting for participants. Their continued support allows us to provide engaging opportunities that encourage lifelong reading and learning.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who registered, attended programs, borrowed books, and made the library part of your summer. Your enthusiasm and participation brought this year's theme to life and reminded us that every book has the power to plant a seed of curiosity that can continue to grow long after summer ends. We hope you'll continue visiting the library throughout the year to discover new books, attend programs, and explore everything Chesley Memorial Library has to offer. We look forward to seeing you again next summer for another season of reading and discovery!
We are especially grateful to the Friends of the Northwood Libraries, whose generous sponsorship of weekly gift card prizes helped make the program even more exciting for participants. Their continued support allows us to provide engaging opportunities that encourage lifelong reading and learning.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who registered, attended programs, borrowed books, and made the library part of your summer. Your enthusiasm and participation brought this year's theme to life and reminded us that every book has the power to plant a seed of curiosity that can continue to grow long after summer ends. We hope you'll continue visiting the library throughout the year to discover new books, attend programs, and explore everything Chesley Memorial Library has to offer. We look forward to seeing you again next summer for another season of reading and discovery!
NEW BOOKS!
Event Calendar
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Looking to get involved in your community? We're always looking for extra hands! If you would like to volunteer at the
Chesley Memorial Library, please call 603-942-5472 or email [email protected] for more information.
Not sure where to begin? We have a Volunteer Project List if you're looking for ideas!
Chesley Memorial Library, please call 603-942-5472 or email [email protected] for more information.
Not sure where to begin? We have a Volunteer Project List if you're looking for ideas!
Friends of Northwood Recreation: dolly parton imagination library
If you have a little one under age five, and would like to receive a book from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library every month, go to [www.imaginationlibrary.com](https://www.imaginationlibrary.com/...), look for the zipcode 03261, and then sign them up! It's that easy, and will give your little one months of enjoyment, reading their very own books. Donations are what keeps these books coming, as there is no cost to the families or the town. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library charges a very small amount for the books, with postage as the larger cost. So donations are always appreciated! Send a check to Friends of Northwood Recreation, PO Box 23, Northwood, NH and note that it is a donation to DPIL.
Summer is almost here and now is the time to plan a trip to one of the local museums with passes sponsored by the Friends of the Northwood Libraries. The Chesley Memorial Library has passes to Bedrock Gardens, Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, Seacoast Science Center, SEE Science Center, and Squam Lake this year. Call the library at 603-942-5472 for more information about planning your visit!
Our Flag Retirement Box
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Do you have a flag ready for retirement? According to the United States Flag Code, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” The Chesley Memorial Library has a flag retirement box for your convenience so bring your flags in anytime.
Left: Post Service Officer Shannan Brown from Joseph J. Jeffrey VFW Post 7217 (Past State Commander of New Hampshire) picks up the flags so they can be properly retired. |
Friends of the Library
The Friends of the Library are actively seeking new members, and your involvement can make a real difference. This dedicated volunteer group organizes fundraisers and special projects that directly support and enhance our library’s programs, services, and community events. If you care about supporting education, community connection, and lifelong learning, we invite you to attend their next meeting to see how you can get involved. Meetings will be posted on the event calendar and are typically once a month. You can read more about the Friends here.
Tips and quick reference
ONLINE RESERVE AND RENEW Reserve and/or renew with three easy steps: 1. Select "Library Catalog" from our Menu 2. Enter your Library Card Number 3. Your Password is the LAST 4 digits of your Primary Phone Number |
NO BOOK DONATIONS Thank you for reaching out to donate books, but we are currently only accepting donations from our wishlist. That said, we have an ongoing book sale should you want to pick up some of our recently weeded books from the library. |
We think you'll like the interlibrary loan system as much as we do. The program enables us to borrow books from other libraries that we may not have! You will be able to check out and return here at your local library without the hassle.
To request an inter-library loan or to learn more, simply email [email protected], give us a call at (603)942-5472, or come in to see us. Vertical Divider
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NH 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is an early literacy initiative that encourages families to read to their young children and to use the resources of their local public libraries.
Chesley Memorial Library is proud to offer this program and uplift our community's children to be life-long readers. Come see our readers' names heartily displayed on the walls of our Children's Section, and sign up to begin your child's reading challenge. New readers from newborns to pre-kindergarten age are welcome to join in. Anyone can participate until they start kindergarten. |
Want more from Chesley Memorial?
Sign up for our monthly library e-newsletter to learn about upcoming events, group news, and resources provided by our library.
Visit Us8 Mountain Ave,
Northwood, New Hampshire 03261 |
Call UsMain Desk: 603-942-5472
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Fax Us603-942-5132
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Email Us |