Paper copies will be available at Candidates' Night, Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Goffstown High School Media Center at 27 Wallace Road, Goffstown, NH. A limited number of paper copies will be available at the Goffstown Public Library after the event.
The Goffstown Public Library compiles these booklets. All information is provided voluntarily by the candidates, and all spelling or grammatical errors are their own.
Elections will be held in Goffstown on March 10, 2026
1040 and 1040-SR Tax Forms and Instruction Booklets are now available at the Circulation desk and on the third floor of the Library.
At the Library you can use the public computers to visit IRS to obtain other forms and instructions. Standard charges for printing at the Library will apply ($0.15 per page, black & white).
IRS
1-800-829-3676 - to order tax forms, instructions, and publications to be delivered by U.S. mail.
IRS Free File IRS Free File lets qualified taxpayers prepare and file federal income tax returns online using guided tax preparation software. Those who don’t qualify can still use Free File Fillable Forms. Visit the link for the adjusted gross income qualification requirements.
Tax Assistance for the Military (MilTax) The Department of Defense offers free tax preparation and e-filing services for federal tax returns to members of the military and to some veterans. There is no income limit to use this resource.
Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs) An IRA is a personal savings arrangement that allows you to set aside money for retirement. You may be able to deduct some or all of your contributions to a traditional IRA, or eligible for a tax credit equal to the percentage of your contribution.
Beware of scams! The IRS will never contact taxpayers by email, text, or social media to request personal or financial information. The IRS will also never demand immediate payment without first offering taxpayers the chance to appeal or question the amount owed.
Letter from The Goffstown Public Library Board of Trustees
January 21, 2026The Goffstown Public Library is an essential part of our town, providing access to information, fostering lifelong learning, and promoting cultural enrichment. The Trustees and Library staff know that our library must adapt to meet the changing needs of the town while remaining committed to the core values of accessibility, inclusivity, and innovation.
This strategic plan outlines the Library’s vision for the future. It sets forth clear goals and actionable strategies to enhance services, leverage technology, and strengthen community engagement. Through thoughtful planning and collaboration, we plan to create an environment where knowledge is readily available, resources are efficiently managed, and patrons are empowered to explore, discover, and succeed.
By aligning our mission with emerging trends and community priorities, this plan ensures the Library remains a relevant, dynamic resource for everyone.
Today, the Goffstown Public Library stands at the heart of our community as a trusted resource, gathering place, and champion of lifelong learning. More than a place to borrow books, the library has evolved into a multifaceted community center that connects residents with information, technology, cultural experiences, and each other.
For more information about the Goffstown Public Library Board of Trustees, please visit their webpage.
The Library will be OPEN during the federal holiday on Monday, February 16, 2026.
The third Monday in February is a federal holiday honoring our first president, George Washington, whose birthday is February 22. We also traditionally honor President Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is February 12.
The Select Board has started to hear 2026 budget requests from Town Department Heads, and the Library Director and Library Board of Trustees presented on Monday, October 27. While you are watching the meeting on GTV, here are the documents we are using as handouts:
All budget presentations and the next year's budget report are now on the Town website.
This webpage will be updated throughout budget season, and additional documents and links will be added. Please email Library Director Patti Penick and the Library Board of Trustees with questions.
February is Library Lovers’ Month, a month-long celebration of school, public, and private libraries of all types. This is a time for everyone, especially library support groups, to recognize the value of libraries and to work to ensure that the Nation’s libraries will continue to serve.
The Goffstown Public Library is more than a collection of resources. We’re a community fixture providing a comfortable place for everyone to access quality materials and programs, enhance cultural awareness, and to explore issues of local, national, and global interest. We grow and adapt as times change – providing you with internet services, digital books and magazines, streaming movies, and 24/7 resources that you can access anywhere you have an internet connection.
Whether you’re a regular or haven’t visited in a while, we hope you’ll take some time this month to explore all that we offer.
Celebrate With Us!
Visit! While you’re here, pick up a copy of the BookPage, and discover your next great book in the pages of this monthly independent newsletter. Discover something new in the themed displays throughout the building.
Join Us. Take some time to enjoy one of the great programs happening this month. We’d love to see you.
Ideas for how you can share your love for the library online:
tell a friend about us (they can get a library card, too!),
or, drop us a note.
Discover Something New. Take advantage of all the library has to offer–travel the world through books, learn a new language with Mango Languages, pick up a movie to escape into, request a new cookbook, download the latest music album from hoopla, and so much more!
Support the Library, Literacy and Lifelong Learning. Consider a donation or a memorial gift, or volunteer your time by joining the Friends. We are very grateful for all the wonderful donations that we receive from the community. All donations to the library are tax-deductible.
The Goffstown Public Library Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Patti Penick as the Library’s new Director, effective February 23, 2026.
Penick brings more than 18 years of service to the Goffstown Public Library, where she most recently served as Assistant Director and Head of Youth Services. During her tenure, she has played a key leadership role in library operations, staff development, community partnerships, and long‑term planning initiatives.
As Assistant Director, Penick has had extensive experience with staffing and day‑to‑day operations, led policy development, coordinated major building and facilities projects, and represented the Library with community and professional organizations. As Head of Youth Services, she has expanded programming, strengthened relationships with local schools, and fostered a love of reading and lifelong learning among children and families throughout the community.
The Goffstown Public Library Board of Trustees shared, “Through the entire hiring process, Patti proved to be an exceptional candidate and is absolutely the right person to lead the Goffstown Public Library into the future.”
Penick holds a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from Drexel University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of New Hampshire.
We’re wrapping up the year with the library staff’s favorite reads. Staff Picks are on display year-round on the second floor, and they change often. You can also browse for these titles in the online catalog.
Dianne's Favorites of the Year
Every December, our Director, Dianne Hathaway, selects her favorite books of the year. She scored each of these titles five stars on a personal rating system from one to five, with five being the best.
The Cannibal Owl by Aaron Gwyn
Go as a River by Shelley Read
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
Isola by Allegra Goodman
James by Percival Everett
The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Where All Light Tends to Go by David Joy
You are Here: Poetry in the Natural World by Ada Limon
Dianne's top pick of 2025? The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb, available from the library in print, large print, audio CD, and in digital formats through Libby and CloudLibrary.
Staff Picks 2025
We were cooking up good things in 2025 with a new format for Cookbook Club, which takes place on the second Saturday of every month. Check the calendar to see the upcoming schedule or stop by the Circulation Desk to pick up your copy of the latest cookbook.
Whether you're looking for cozy winter meals, recipes centered around a lifestyle or diet, or even a celebrity cookbook, the second floor is the place to visit and browse our collection of over 300+ titles. There are even more available digitally via the e-library.
Watch Librarian's Pick of the Week episodes on our YouTube channel and see what the latest suggestions are for reading. Subscribe and never miss an episode!
Reading Inspiration Comes from Everywhere!
Cardholder @nklaroche on Instagram inspired us with an A to Z book challenge post. What a great idea to kick off a new year of reading!
On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Governor Ayotte joined the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) in announcing more than $3.5 million in matching grants to support 31 land conservation and historic preservation projects across the state. These awards will help communities restore historic landmarks, conserve working forests, and protect the natural and cultural resources that define New Hampshire’s character.
The projects supported by this year’s LCHIP grants reflect New Hampshire’s commitment to safeguarding the landscapes and heritage that make the Granite State unique. In all, the grants will support rehabilitation of twenty-one historic buildings and permanent conservation of nearly 3,000 acres of working forest, wetlands, and ecologically significant land in all corners of the state.
The Goffstown Public Library has received a $19,272 grant award to support the library’s historic window restoration project.
“We are very excited for the window repairs to become a reality, and appreciative of LCHIP’s investment in the Goffstown community,” said Patti Penick, Assistant Director & Head of Youth Services. “The window restoration project has been a priority of the Library Board of Trustees for years, and with this award, we are looking forward to the window restoration, making them fully usable and improving energy efficiency in the building.”
All components of the library’s original 1909 windows will be carefully restored to their original condition and functionality following established historic preservation standards.
LCHIP grant recipients must match each dollar contributed by LCHIP with at least one added dollar and complete the funded projects according to the program’s rigorous standards. The $3.5 million awarded in 2025 will be matched by more than $13 million from other public and private sources, infusing $17 million into the state’s economy through direct project activity.
From left to right: Patti Penick, LCHIP’s Executive Director Paula Bellemore, LCHIP’s Board Chair Richard Lewis, Governor Ayotte, and Library Trustee Judy Johnson. Photo credit to Cheryl Senter.
Patti Penick with George Born, LCHIP Historic Resource Specialist.
About the New Hampshire’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program
The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) is an independent state authority providing matching grants to New Hampshire’s municipalities and non-profits, helping to preserve the state’s most important natural, cultural, and historic resources and ensure their contribution to the economy, environment, and quality of life in New Hampshire. LCHIP grants are funded by a $25 fee assessed when deeds, mortgages, and plans are recorded at the state’s ten registries of deeds. Since 2001, LCHIP has awarded 646 grants, totaling over $68 million. As of July 2025, the program’s investment has helped to conserve 247,000 acres of land and rehabilitate 192 historic structures across 206 NH communities. Learn more about how LCHIP is helping to preserve and protect New Hampshire’s heritage at LCHIP.org, by following LCHIP_NH on Instagram or Facebook.
About Goffstown Public Library
The Goffstown Public Library is located at 2 High Street in Goffstown, New Hampshire. Built in 1909, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, and currently serves a population of over 18,000. In support of its mission, the Library offers a wide variety of services and more than 400 programs offered to the community each year. For more information, visit https://www.goffstownlibrary.com.
A notary public is a public officer of the state, authorized by law to certify documents, take affidavits, and administer oaths.
Beginning March 1, 2024, the Goffstown Public Library offers free notary services to Goffstown residents, cardholders, and employees. Library notaries are on staff during the library’s hours of operation, and it is recommended to call ahead to ensure a notary will be available at that time. Notary service is available until thirty (30) minutes before closing.
The Notary and the person seeking notarization shall be able to communicate directly with each other. Library notaries are not permitted to make use of a translator to communicate with the person seeking notarization.
Notaries cannot provide advice on legal documents, prepare legal documents, or determine the correct documentation. Library staff can only direct visitors to resources and offices that can answer their legal questions.
Library Notaries will not notarize:
Documents in any language other than English
Children’s signatures or fingerprints
Deeds, Wills, Living Wills, Living Trusts, Codicils, Depositions, Mortgage or Real Estate Closing Documents
I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification forms)
Gun sales
Lengthy, complex documents
Certain public documents cannot be copied and notarized, including but not limited to Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, and Marriage Certificates. Certified copies of many documents are available from the original issuing authority.
Library notaries will not endorse Notary Public or Justice of the Peace applications for individuals, except for notaries for the Town of Goffstown.
Preparing for Your Visit
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID.
Notary service is limited to three documents per person, per visit.
Complete all information above the signature line before signature notarization and bring all unsigned documents to be notarized. Documents must be signed in the presence of the notary to be valid.
If your document requires witnesses, they must accompany you. The library does not provide witnesses and witnesses may not be solicited from staff or visitors using the library. To serve as a witness, the witness must be personally known to the individual whose documents are being notarized. All witnesses must bring valid photo identification as described above.
Our notaries reserve the right, at their discretion, to refuse a request that does not satisfy identification or document requirements, exceeds the intention of the services we offer, or prevents staff from assisting visitors with primary library services.
Smart and savvy buying tips are just a few clicks away with your library card. The Goffstown Public Library provides access to Consumer Reports' trusted ratings and reviews, and their buying advice tool that ensures you get the best deal or product. Whether you’re looking to find the best deal on a new appliance or researching top-recommended cars, Consumer Reports can help you make the best choice. You can use it to find reliable ratings and reviews for thousands of products and help you make the most of your time and money, including
Established to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this is the only federal holiday designated by Congress as a national day of service. On this day, we embrace the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving communities.
Composting is a great way to reduce waste, create a beneficial mulch for your garden, and benefit the environment. The Goffstown Transfer Station now has a food scrap drop-off barrel for all your food scraps.
You don't have to go far if you're looking for a nice mountain hike nearby. In Goffstown, the Uncanoonuc Mountains Hiking Trails provide hikers with beautiful scenic views of Goffstown and the Merrimack Valley. David Pierce, a retired cartographer, has provided the Conservation Commission with a map highlighting paths hikers can take. The map is also posted near the beach at Uncanoonuc Lake, and at the Village bulletin board on Mountain Road, and is available to copy at the Library.
More maps and trail information are available from
On November 11, we honor the military veterans who have served our country. This date was formerly known as Armistice Day and renamed in 1954 to Veterans Day to honor veterans of both world wars, reminding us to celebrate and thank those who are serving or have served in the military. British Commonwealth countries now call the holiday Remembrance Day.
“Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom, for they’ve suffered the scars of war. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us.” - President Ronald Reagan, in a radio address to the nation, 1983.
On the second floor of the Goffstown Public Library:
“..the names of those dead and living heroes, who took a part in all of the struggles in the history of the country, are inscribed upon tablets, tablets dedicated to their everlasting honor. Their brave work on sea and land is now a part of the imperishable record of this country.”– Address in Memory of Soldiers of Former Wars by George P. Hadley during the Dedication of the Library at Goffstown, NH, October 2, 1909. - Source
Learn More about Goffstown Veterans
Pictured: Soldiers Monument in Goffstown, Dedicated June 17, 1916 - Source
Visit the Soldiers Monument on the Goffstown Town Common, dedicated in 1916 in memory of the residents of Goffstown who served in all the American Wars.
Visit the Library’s memorial wall on the second floor.
HeritageQuest – Includes all of the images and indexing from the 1790 – 1940 U.S. federal censuses. It features over 22,000 family and local histories in addition to 250 primary-source documents such as tax lists, city directories, probate records, and more.
NewsBank – Search through full-text U.S. newspapers, including the Union Leader, the NH Sunday News (since 1989), and the Concord Monitor (since 2002).
“I think there are only three things America will be known for 2,000 years from now . . . the Constitution, jazz music, and baseball.” - Gerald Early, writer.
Did you know baseball has played a major role throughout American history? Indulge your love of the sport and learn more about baseball’s history at the library. Visit in person or search the catalog to get started.
NewsBank - for reliable news sources covering sports. Search through full-text U.S. newspapers, including the Union Leader, the NH Sunday News (since 1989), and the Concord Monitor (since 2002).
1903 Boston, American League baseball grounds, players and bleachers (Library of Congress)
Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship by focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books. The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted for removal or restriction in libraries and schools.
Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights.
"With the escalation in attempts to ban books in libraries, schools, and bookstores around the country, George Orwell’s cautionary tale 1984, serves a prescient warning about the dangers of censorship. This year’s Banned Books Week theme reminds us that the right to read belongs to all of us, that censorship has no place in contemporary society, and that we must defend our rights."
The American Library Association (ALA) documented 821 attempts to censor materials and services at libraries, schools, and universities in 2024. In those cases, 2,452 unique titles were challenged, which significantly exceeds the average of 273 unique titles that were challenged annually during 2001–2020.
"The most common justifications for censorship provided by complainants were false claims of illegal obscenity for minors; inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters or themes; and covering topics of race, racism, inclusivity, equity, and social justice."
“Books are an essential foundation of democracy.”
~ Pioneering actor, New York Times-bestselling author, and activist George Takei, honorary chair of Banned Books Week 2025. Read more at bannedbooksweek.org.
Read for Your Rights.
The Goffstown Public Library supports your Constitutional right to access the information you want and hopes you will exercise that right by reading a challenged book. Visit the Library to interact with this week's banned book displays and check out a book, or see a selection in the catalog.
Banned Books Week is an annual week-long event celebrating the freedom to read, highlighting the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community – librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types – in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.
Need to replace your lost library card? During September, we will replace your missing GPL card and waive the $2.00 replacement fee. Stop in and start reading again!
It may be small, but a library card packs a mighty punch.
Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month and discover how a single card can open the door to endless opportunities. With a library card, you can do more than check out books. Take part in engaging programs like book clubs, movie nights, crafting classes, and lectures. Access technology, Wi-Fi, streaming media, and cultural events, whether you're a student, job seeker, entrepreneur, or lifelong learner. It’s one card with endless possibilities!
Today’s libraries connect communities to information, inspiration, and each other.
This year’s theme, “One Card, Endless Possibilities,” is a reminder that libraries are for everyone—no matter your age, background, or goals. Whether you're diving into a new hobby, searching for your next great read, brushing up on tech skills, or helping your child succeed in school, it all starts with a library card.
The Goffstown Public Library, along with libraries everywhere, continues to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving needs of our community. To sign up for a library card or to learn more about the library’s resources and programs, please visit www.goffstownlibrary.com or call us at 603-497-2102. Better yet, stop in for a visit!
If you’re reading this, you probably already have a Goffstown Public Library card, and now during September, we’re asking that you share how fabulous a library card is with your family and friends to get them signed up for one of their own.
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, when the Goffstown Public Library joins the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide to remind everyone about the valuable resources available with a library card.
"Borrow” seeds to start your gardens! Located on the third floor, the Seed Library is now available to “check out”. Whether it's springtime or a cold winter day, you can visit the Goffstown Seed Library, where you'll find an updated selection of seeds that change with the seasons.
The steps are simple:
Choose what seed varieties you want.
Fill out the sign-out sheet with what you chose.
There are seed packets with planting instructions on the table, you can make note of the planting information on the packets you are taking home.
We’re also collecting harvested seeds at the end of the summer, so please note whether you would like to participate in that when you’re filling out the sign-out sheet. When you bring those in, please label each envelope with the seed and variety information.
When using the Seed Library, take what you need but remember to leave enough for others. This project is based on the honor system, so a staff member is not needed to “check out” seeds.
Seed will be swapped out as the seasons change, so be sure to check back every so often for new seed varieties.
Happy gardening and be sure to use #goffstownlibrary on social media to share your Seed Library bounty!
Do you have a green thumb? During the warmer months, enjoy your garden while helping your community by participating in Grow a Row! The Goffstown Network Food Pantry's Grow a Row program encourages local gardeners to add an extra row (or more) of their favorite vegetables to their garden, and then donate those extra vegetables. Your vegetable surplus will be used to stock the Goffstown Network Food Pantry with healthy and fresh food for our neighbors in need.
Keep an eye on the library's calendar and social media accounts for information when drop-offs are "live". After harvest, drop off your produce at two locations during open hours:
The Library will be CLOSED during the Juneteenth holiday, June 19.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of ending slavery in the United States.
Originating in Galveston, Texas, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has been celebrated since 1865, and has since spread across the United States.
The day was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Juneteenth’s commemoration is on the anniversary date of the June 19, 1865 announcement of General Order No. 3 by Union Army General Gordon Granger, proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas – two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and two months after the Civil War ended.
During June, please visit and borrow from the displays on the second floor, or browse the selections below.
HeritageQuest – Includes all of the images and indexing from the 1790 – 1940 U.S. federal censuses. It features over 22,000 family and local histories in addition to 250 primary-source documents such as tax lists, city directories, probate records, and more.
NewsBank – Search for local events and historic articles.
The Library will be closed from Saturday, May 24, through Monday, May 26, in observance of the 2025 Memorial Day holiday. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 28 at 9:00 a.m.
Since 1971, Memorial Day has been a national day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States, observed on the last Monday of May. Thank you to all who have served.
For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. There you’ll find more resources about this date, including links to veterans cemetery databases, and information about flag displays.
NH Veterans’ Cemetery – 100 Nights of Remembrance — Taps is played every Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Starting on Memorial Day, Taps will be sounded nightly at 7:00 p.m., rain or shine through September 11.
Learn More in the E-Library
Ancestry Library Edition – Available in the Library during business hours, you can view census records, historical records, photos, stories, and maps.
HeritageQuest – A comprehensive treasury of over 4.4 billion records, American genealogical sources including local and family histories, over 700 million records from the U.S. Federal Census 1790 through 1940, military records, wills and probate records, maps and photos, city directories, and national censuses including Argentina, Netherlands, Czech Republic, and several other countries.
NewsBank – Provides full-text U.S. newspapers, including The Union Leader, the NH Sunday News (since 1989), and The Concord Monitor (since 2002).
Now is the time to focus on improving money management skills, learn about budgeting, saving, managing debt, retirement planning, and how to prevent identity theft. 💰
The Goffstown Public Library has a wealth of resources that can help you, from books and internet access to Consumer Reports and NewsBank online.
Consumer Reports is available online and in print at the library. Find the best deals and recommendations to help you make the best choices for your time and money.
NewsBank features magazine and newspaper articles where you can search for current events and daily headlines for everything from finance and economics to health and technology.
National Poetry Month is the largest literary celebration in the world, with tens of millions of readers, students, K-12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, bloggers, and, of course, poets marking poetry’s important place in our culture and our lives every April.
Launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month is a special occasion that celebrates poets’ integral role in our culture and that poetry matters.
Join the book group at the Library on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. for a discussion about You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World edited and introduced by the twenty-fourth Poet Laureate of the United States, Ada Limón. Pick up your copy at the Circulation Desk, or request a digital copy from the hoopla or Libby apps.
Learn all about haiku and celebrate International Haiku Poetry Day on April 17.
Read some poetry! Browse the selection below or in the catalog.
Refresh your knowledge of poetry by taking the Ultimate Poetry Quiz! See what you remember from your high school and college poetry classes, and maybe reread some classics.
Millions of people across the country visit their libraries every week. What’s the draw? Everything!
No matter where you find yourself on the roadmap through life’s journey—preparing for a new career, launching a business, or raising a family—your library provides an inclusive and supportive community where everyone belongs.
From young families stopping in for play and story time to students meeting tutors, to seniors seeking tech help, and everyone in between, libraries help us connect the dots from one part of our journey to the next. Chart your next literary adventure by browsing the stacks or joining a book club. Let an author color your imagination at an author talk, discover a new interest at a workshop, or trace your history with your library’s genealogy resources. Make your mark and get involved with your library by volunteering or spreading the word.
Whatever draws you in, the library has something for everyone. Celebrate National Library Week, April 6 - 12, 2025.
When you visit this week, please fill out a display card at the Circulation Desk and let us know what draws you to the library.
Award-winning author and illustrator Raina Telgemeier and cartoonist and comic theorist Scott McCloud have been selected Honorary Chairs of the 2025 American Library Association’s National Library Week.
"Telgemeier and McCloud have partnered to create a one-of-a-kind graphic novel, The Cartoonists Club, that tells the story of Makayla, who is bursting with ideas but doesn’t know how to make them into a story, and Howard, who loves to draw but struggles to come up with ideas. These two new friends, shy Lynda, and inventive Art, come together to form The Cartoonists Club. Their beloved school librarian helps them discover the magic of comics, imagination, and their own storytelling powers. The result is a book where friendship is a work of art."
"..We wanted readers to know we all have talents, and together, we can overcome challenges to fully express ourselves. Libraries help so many people to find their unique talents.” ~ Raina Telgemeier
Indulge Your Love of Libraries with Themed Reading
For Kids
For Adults
For Teens
Celebration Days During National Library Week
Monday, April 7: Right to Read Day, a day for readers, advocates, and library lovers to take action to protect, defend, and celebrate the right to read. The American Library Association (ALA) kicks off National Library Week with the release of its State of America's Libraries Report, including the list of Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2023.
Tuesday, April 8: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, users, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.
Wednesday, April 9: National Library Outreach Day (formerly National Bookmobile Day), a day to celebrate library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.
During National Library Week and year-round, visit in person, check out the bulletin boards and displays, and see the many events and programs we have planned for all ages on our calendar.
I have received many messages, notes, and been approached in public by people wondering what kind of support we need from the community. Thank you, it means a lot to us! As you know, public libraries are under attack all across the country, as well as here in Goffstown. Here are some things you can do to support us:
If you don't have a library card, stop in and get one. It only takes a few minutes with your photo ID that includes your Goffstown address.
Use your library card! We have something for everyone!
Attend our excellent programs and events. Bring your kids! Bring your parents! Bring your friends!
Verify information about the Library by visiting our web page at goffstownlibrary.com, by calling me at 603-497-2102, or emailing me at dianneh@goffstownlibrary.com. There is disinformation being spread in the community to intentionally undermine our award-winning services and staff.
Speak out to correct information you know is false. Our voices are powerful weapons.
Attend meetings of the Library Board of Trustees, the legal governing body of the Goffstown Public Library.
Join the Friends of the Goffstown Public Library. They are an aging organization in need of younger, energetic community members to continue their important work.
This past weekend, some folks on social media reported a misunderstanding about the use of public space at the Goffstown Public Library for candidates to meet with community members. Space at the Goffstown Public Library is used for a variety of purposes by members of the community, including:
Tutors meet with students at the Goffstown Public Library.
Financial advisors meet with clients at the Goffstown Public Library.
Job hunters engage in online interviews at the Goffstown Public Library.
College students meet virtually with other students and with professors at the Goffstown Public Library.
Real estate transactions have occurred at the Goffstown Public Library.
Homeschool families meet for playdates at the Goffstown Public Library.
Folks who work from home use the Goffstown Public Library as their offices (including our WiFi and electricity).
Neighbors sit and chat while their teens are engaged in library programs.
Community members meet with others for reasons unknown to Goffstown Public Library staff—and we don’t feel the need to know.
All of these uses are appropriate and welcome. However, these activities are neither scheduled nor endorsed by the Goffstown Public Library staff or the Library Board of Trustees. Public space at the Goffstown Public Library can be used for whatever the community needs, including for candidates to meet with voters, as long as library policy and other visitors are respected. Please email me at dianneh@goffstownlibrary.com with any questions or comments regarding this situation.
There has been a misconception recently circulating in the community suggesting that knowing a person's library card number will provide access to their personal account information, such as phone numbers, addresses, and items checked out. I want to address these concerns by clarifying that this is not correct. At Goffstown Public Library, all library accounts are protected by a password/PIN, and this information is encrypted—even from library staff.
To help concerned cardholders more clearly understand, I want to share some hypothetical examples:
Scenario 1: Let’s say my Goffstown Public Library card number is 24508000143770. Even if someone has that number, they cannot access my account at goffstownlibrary.com without the specific password/PIN I’ve set up.
Scenario 2: If an unauthorized user has access to my library card number and requests a password/PIN reset, I will receive an email notification (sent to the address listed on my account) alerting me to the change request. I control whether that change happens, and no one else can access my account without my approval.
If you have heard any concerns or confusion about the Goffstown Public Library, I encourage you to reach out directly to me for clarification. You can contact me at dianneh@goffstownlibrary.com or 603-497-2102 for accurate information. To all our cardholders, thank you for being a patron of the Goffstown Public Library.
The Bynam family is committed to their Goffstown community. Their father, E.B. Bynum, served as a Goffstown selectman, budget committee member, charter commission member, and historic district commissioner. You can read about this heritage in Legacy: Portrait of an Ancestor by Edward Bruce Bynum, co-authored with sons Kenneth D. Bynum and Anthony A. Bynum. Their mother, Lillie Mae Bynum, was featured in the May 12, 2016, NH Business Review for her 90th birthday. This summer, two of Edward and Lillie Mae's seven children will share some of their family stories and Goffstown history at a presentation at the library.
In 1961, the Bynum family, led by their patriarch Bruce E.B. Bynum, who was then serving in the United States Air Force, decided to move to Goffstown. Bruce and his wife, Lillie Mae, sought to provide their children with better opportunities and quality of life.
The oldest son, Dr. Bruce Edward Bynum, and the youngest, Anthony Ashley (Tony) Bynum, share their unique stories, intertwining Goffstown’s history and their family’s legacy. This presentation shines a light on the stories in their published books, their family and friends, the Gaelic Society, and the B&M Train Covered Bridge that was destroyed by fire in 1976.
Books written or edited by local author Edward Bruce Bynum, Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North and Central America creating a path of totality. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely blocks the Sun while it passes between the Sun and Earth. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk and those standing in the path of totality may see the Sun’s outer atmosphere (the corona) if weather permits. - NASA Scientific Visualization Studio
Can't watch the eclipse live? Watch it in real time on YouTube via
Please take safety precautions when viewing the eclipse. To learn more, visit the American Astronomical Society "How to View a Solar Eclipse Safely."
Eclipse Viewing Party
On Monday, April 8 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. join us for a celestial event like no other! We are thrilled to host a solar eclipse viewing party, inviting you and your family to witness the wonders of the universe. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience! Registration required.
March is National Nutrition Month®, a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.
The books and links below can help you kickstart this month’s focus with information to help you eat healthy and on a budget, ideas for meal planning, reducing food waste, and community resources.
Books to Whet Your Appetite
E-Library
Consumer Reports - Make the best choice for your time and money with the ratings and reviews for thousands of products from shoppers and experts, money-saving advice and tips, buying guides, and videos.
NewsBank - Read magazine and newspaper articles from over 3,700 U.S. news sources and explore healthy recipes, wellness tips, and more with NewsBank's "Health" Suggested Topic.
Whatever your style, let NoveList Plus help you find your next great read! NoveList Plus is always available in the e-library or when you select a book in the catalog, NoveList's "Similar Titles" suggestions will appear.
NoveList Plus can help you find recommended reading lists for everything from Christian fiction to science fiction, as well as unique author read-alikes, which allows you to find new authors based on the ones you already like. Get reading recommendations for fiction, nonfiction, and audiobooks across all reading levels.
NoveList K-8 Plus is the place to search for titles for young readers. Narrow your search by age, mood, or NoveList's "Appeal Mixer" to get personalized recommendations. Search for books you're interested in, and get series information, including limits for reading levels.
Ready for something new? Finding a new book is as simple as 1-2-3.
Log in to NoveList Plus or NoveList K-8 Plus with the barcode on your library card.
Find the “Recommended Reads Lists” located on the left side of the home page.
Choose from any of the hundreds of great books organized by genre and age level.
YouTube videos to help navigate NoveList options -
GOFFSTOWN – The Goffstown Select Board are confident in the Library Director’s decision to provide redacted copies of governmental records responsive to a RSA 91-A request, following the Town attorney’s legal advice.
On Sunday, February 4, 2024 the Goffstown Public Library (GPL) received an RSA 91-A request seeking information to find out if candidates for Library Board of Trustees currently hold library cards with the GPL. Prior to responding to this request, the Library Director coordinated with Goffstown Town Administrator to seek legal advice from the Town’s legal counsel, Drummond Woodsum. The Town attorney advised the library should provide any governmental record it has that would show whether each of the listed people are library members. The Town attorney advised the person’s phone number(s), address, SSN number, or other personal information should not be disclosed and should be redacted before disclosure.
On Monday, February 5, 2024, the Library Director provided redacted copies of governmental records responsive to the RSA 91-A request, following the Town attorney’s legal advice.
The Goffstown Select Board voted 4-0-0 on Monday, March 11, 2024 to waive the Town’s attorney client privilege on the emails from Attorney Matt Serge, Drummond Woodsum, related to the release of these records (emails attached).
There has been a lot of conversation regarding the annual visitor/door count number collected by the Goffstown Public Library and stated at the town deliberative session. There has been a call to collect the number of unique visitors instead, and that to do otherwise is misleading and lying to the community.
I responded to comments truthfully and factually. We gather and report statistics as required:
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an agency of the federal government, collects public library data nationally every year. As part of this process, the IMLS requires the NH State Library to collect the same data from all public libraries in NH that is being collected in every other state. They use this data to better understand library programs and services, and to see how our libraries compare to those in other states.
All public libraries in the US are required to report data in the same way so that the numbers are meaningful and comparable.
The specific wording that the IMLS uses to explain this item (door count and number of visitors) is as follows: “This is the total number of persons entering the library for whatever purpose during the year.”
As Library Director, I will continue to gather and report numbers as required by IMLS and NH state law: RSA 202-A:12 (g). Please address further questions and comments to trustees@goffstownlibrary.com.
Well-designed, livable communities promote health and sustain economic growth, and they make for happier, healthier residents - of all ages. - AARP
An age-friendly community means adopting features like:
Safe, walkable streets
Better housing and transportation options
Access to key services
Opportunities for residents to participate in community activities
Our membership provides access to AARP Network's global resources, information, and provides opportunities for partnerships, mentoring, and peer-review by member cities.
The AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities targets improvements in eight areas that influence the health and quality of life for all as we age:
Outdoor spaces and buildings: Availability of safe and accessible recreational facilities.
Transportation: Safe and affordable models of private and public transportation.
Housing: Availability of home modification programs for aging in place, and a range of age-friendly housing options.
Social participation: Access to leisure and cultural activities, including opportunities for older residents to socialize and engage with their peers as well as with younger people.
Respect and social inclusion: Programs that promote ethnic and cultural diversity, multigenerational interaction, and dialogue.
Civic participation and employment: Paid work and volunteer activities for older residents and opportunities to engage in the formulation of policies relevant to their lives.
Communication and information: Access to communications technology and other resources so older residents can connect with their community, friends and family.
Community support and health services: Access to home-based care services, health clinics, and programs that promote wellness and active aging.
Communities participating in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities commit to improving their livability through an assessment of needs, development of an action plan, implementation of new projects and programs, and ongoing assessment – all with the involvement of older residents - in three phases over a five-year period, with continued cycles of assessment and improvement thereafter.
When your schedule is packed and you need a short break, take time to read with books that you can finish in under an hour. Most of these are available in short story collections in our catalog; find time to read and escape into a good story!
A few pages a day are easy when you are
relaxing,
waiting,
exercising,
or commuting.
Give it a try!
Books You Can Read In Under An Hour
The Body-Snatcher by Robert Louis Stevenson
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx
The Call of Cthulhu by H.P. Lovecraft
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Everyone's Reading Bastard by Nick Hornby
The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe
The Great Wall of China by Franz Kafka
Guns by Stephen King
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
Lifeboat No. 8: Surviving the Titanic by Elizabeth Kaye
Next Day of the Condor by James Grady
The Nose by Nikolai Gogol
Safety Tips for Living Alone by Jim Shepard
Second Variety by Philip K. Dick
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings by Gabriel Garcia Marquez