Upcoming Holiday Closures:
Monday, January 19, to observe Martin Luther King Jr./Civil Rights Day
Monday, January 19, to observe Martin Luther King Jr./Civil Rights Day
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-Thursday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm CLOSED FOR LUNCH Monday-Thursday 11:45-12:30 pm Saturday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm |
Visit Us8 Mountain Ave,
Northwood, NH, 03261 |
Contact UsPhone: (603)942-5472
Fax: (603) 942-5132 |
Services
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Library Events and News
Information Updates from the Chesley Memorial Library Trustees
The 2026 budget for the Chesley Memorial Library is crucial, and it’s our job as trustees to inform people of the issues facing the library. Between now and town elections, the trustees will explain those issues in a series of public posts through our website, social media, and email account.
I. Introduction
Each year, the trustees work closely with the library director to develop the budget for the library. In preparation for our 2026 proposal, the town administration advised us to base our budget on what the library needs, not on a guess about what might pass in the March elections.
We took that guidance seriously because we think our library is at a turning point. To paraphrase a parable, “No one lights a lamp just to cover it up,” yet that is what has happened to our libraries. In addition to the gift of our building, we have an experienced and resourceful director with committed employees who go above and beyond, but the town cannot benefit from all the light the library can generate when it is covered up each year by limited funding.
The director and trustees have identified two specific budget increases that can change that. We will explain the benefits of those increases in the following posts so please review them as they come out.
I. Introduction
Each year, the trustees work closely with the library director to develop the budget for the library. In preparation for our 2026 proposal, the town administration advised us to base our budget on what the library needs, not on a guess about what might pass in the March elections.
We took that guidance seriously because we think our library is at a turning point. To paraphrase a parable, “No one lights a lamp just to cover it up,” yet that is what has happened to our libraries. In addition to the gift of our building, we have an experienced and resourceful director with committed employees who go above and beyond, but the town cannot benefit from all the light the library can generate when it is covered up each year by limited funding.
The director and trustees have identified two specific budget increases that can change that. We will explain the benefits of those increases in the following posts so please review them as they come out.
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GINGERBREAD DECORATING
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Gingerbread Decorating event! We loved welcoming so many families for an afternoon filled with creativity, laughter, and holiday cheer. A special thank-you to Miss Diane for baking the delicious homemade gingerbread cookies that made the day extra sweet. From silly faces to candy-covered masterpieces, the kids’ creations were truly wonderful, and we hope everyone enjoyed decorating and making memories together. We’re so grateful to our community for celebrating the season with us and look forward to seeing you at our next event!
THANKSGIVING CRAFTERNOON
Thank you for joining us for our Thanksgiving Crafternoon on Thursday, November 20! It was a delight to celebrate the season of gratitude with so many creative kids and families. Everyone brought wonderful energy to an afternoon filled with hands-on crafts and cozy fall vibes. We loved seeing the wonderful Native American wall hangings, necklaces, and clay creations the kids made. Thank you for crafting, laughing, and making the day truly special!
National Radon Action Month
January is National Radon Action Month! Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It has no smell, color or taste. Radon can enter homes through cracks in the foundation, or for those with private wells, through water in sinks, washing machines, showers, and toilets. Indoor radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
The only way to know if you have radon in your home is to test for it. If you have high levels of radon in your home, the good news is that you can fix it! The library has a free to use radon test kit in our Library of Things that patrons can borrow. Alternatively, you can order your FREE test kit here while supplies last: https://states.aelabs.com/#/nh
The only way to know if you have radon in your home is to test for it. If you have high levels of radon in your home, the good news is that you can fix it! The library has a free to use radon test kit in our Library of Things that patrons can borrow. Alternatively, you can order your FREE test kit here while supplies last: https://states.aelabs.com/#/nh
Upcoming: Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals
Join us during February vacation for a fun-filled performance where puppets come alive to tell amazing stories, sing silly songs, and take you on a journey packed with laughter and imagination. You’ll clap, cheer, and maybe even help the puppets along the way! This exciting event is sponsored by the Friends of the Northwood Library, who love bringing joy and creativity to our community.
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.
Fall is 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 the 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 Us(603)942-5132
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Email Us |