Statement regarding Executive Order on the defunding of the Institute of Museum & Library Services
There was an Executive Order issued Friday, March 14th that the Institute of Museum and Library Science Services (IMLS) “shall be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law, and such entities shall reduce the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law”.
We don’t know yet what exactly this will mean for funding of library services through the NH State Library but the following services that we offer to patrons are currently supported by federal funds through IMLS:
NH Interlibrary Loan (ILL) system
Provides access to books/DVDs/audiobooks from all libraries in the state. This is an especially important resource for small libraries like ours which have a smaller number of titles in circulation, allowing for patrons to access a much broader number of resources than we could provide on our own. In 2024, Brown Memorial Library received 583 titles through ILL and loaned out 726 titles, accounting for almost 12% of our total annual circulation.
NH Overdrive and Libby services
Provides access for all library patrons to download audiobooks and e-books. In 2024, Brown Memorial Library patrons downloaded 2535 total items, accounting for 22.7% of our total circulation numbers.
Without federal funding, these statewide services will be at risk/in jeopardy. Please consider contacting your senator and representatives to speak up in support of the IMLS and the continued inclusion of funds in the congressional budget for library programs that benefit the entire State.
We are committed to continuing to provide all of our patrons with the highest quality services and access to materials and will update you as we know more about what the impact of this change will be. As of now, nothing is changing in what we are able to offer you and we hope that this remains true. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
BML Librarians and Board of Trustees
We don’t know yet what exactly this will mean for funding of library services through the NH State Library but the following services that we offer to patrons are currently supported by federal funds through IMLS:
NH Interlibrary Loan (ILL) system
Provides access to books/DVDs/audiobooks from all libraries in the state. This is an especially important resource for small libraries like ours which have a smaller number of titles in circulation, allowing for patrons to access a much broader number of resources than we could provide on our own. In 2024, Brown Memorial Library received 583 titles through ILL and loaned out 726 titles, accounting for almost 12% of our total annual circulation.
NH Overdrive and Libby services
Provides access for all library patrons to download audiobooks and e-books. In 2024, Brown Memorial Library patrons downloaded 2535 total items, accounting for 22.7% of our total circulation numbers.
Without federal funding, these statewide services will be at risk/in jeopardy. Please consider contacting your senator and representatives to speak up in support of the IMLS and the continued inclusion of funds in the congressional budget for library programs that benefit the entire State.
We are committed to continuing to provide all of our patrons with the highest quality services and access to materials and will update you as we know more about what the impact of this change will be. As of now, nothing is changing in what we are able to offer you and we hope that this remains true. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
BML Librarians and Board of Trustees
Welcome!
HOURS: Monday 10-6, Wednesday 10-6, Friday 10-6, Saturday 9-1
Our library has a large selection of fiction, non-fiction, children's books, biographies, mysteries, DVDs, audiobooks, NH and Bradford specific titles, and large print titles.
Library cards are available free of charge for Bradford and Newbury residents
Non-residents may purchase a library card for $20 per year
Lift service is provided to anyone unable to use the stairs. Enter via the basement door (use buzzer outside door for help opening door and using elevator if needed and a staff member will come down to assist you)
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Weekly Story Hour -
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Book ClubWe offer a monthly book club for adults on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 6PM. New members are always welcome!
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Ancestry (in-library use)Enjoy Ancestry.com access through library internet (patron computers and/or wifi)
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ILL & Libby AppWe can access (almost) any book for you through the NH state interlibrary loan system. Patrons can also access e-book and audio books on the Libby app. Ask us about getting a number for the Libby app if you don't already have one.
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Public Use ComputersWe have three public use computers, free Wi-Fi (can be accessed when the library is closed from in front of the library or in the parking lot), color printer, fax machine, and scanner available to all patrons. There is a small fee for printing and copying
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Upcoming EventsCheck out our list of upcoming events! From art programs for kids to talks about birds and the history of stone walls, there's always something for everyone. If you have suggestions for future events, please let us know.
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Find out about library programs, new books, and more. We respect your privacy and will never share your email with any third parties.
Looking to make a donation to the library?
We currently accept donations by check or cash.
Checks can be made out to Brown Memorial Library and mailed to 78 West Main St. Bradford, NH 03221 (or dropped off in person)
Checks can be made out to Brown Memorial Library and mailed to 78 West Main St. Bradford, NH 03221 (or dropped off in person)