Nashua Public Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nashua Public Library |
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| Established | 1867 |
| Coordinates | 42°45′47″N 71°27′52″W / 42.763172°N 71.464440°W |
| Collection | |
| Size | 179,626 |
| Access and use | |
| Circulation | 729,904 |
| Population served | 86,494 |
| Other information | |
| Budget | $2,766,703 (2012) |
| Director | Jennifer McCormack |
The Nashua Public Library (NPL) is a public library located in Nashua, New Hampshire. It's a great place for everyone to find books, learn new things, and join fun activities. The library has been serving the community for over 150 years.
Contents
Discover the History of Nashua Public Library
The Nashua Public Library first opened its doors in 1867. It was originally located on the second floor of the County Records Building. Before the public library started, two other collections helped it grow. The Union Athenaeum, a private reading club from 1851, donated its books. The Nashua Manufacturing Company also gave its library collection to the new public library.
In 1901, a big change happened for the library. Mary A. and Mary E. Hunt made a generous donation. This gift allowed the city to build a brand new library. The famous architect Ralph Adams Cram designed the building. He used a style called Gothic Revival, which looks like old European castles. The new building, named the Hunt Memorial Library, opened in 1903. It was named in memory of John M. Hunt.
Chandler Memorial Library: A Special Branch
In 1959, a Nashua businessman named Seth D. Chandler left his Victorian home to the city. His daughter, Mabel Chandler, wanted it to become a branch of the Nashua Public Library. The house was fixed up and opened on October 10, 1960. It was called the Chandler Memorial Library.
This branch first served as the library's Children's Room. Later, it became a center for different cultures. Sadly, it closed in July 2006 because of budget reasons.
The Library's Current Home
The library moved to its current location in 1971. This building is quite large, about 57,000 square feet. A local businessman named Eliot A. Carter provided the money for this new building. John Carter was the architect who designed it. The library officially opened its new doors on September 26, 1971.
In 1995, the library expanded even more. It opened a new section called the Music/Art/Media Wing. This space was updated again in 2017. It now has seven meeting rooms for the community and is called the Chandler Memorial Wing.
Library Publications
The Nashua Public Library has also published books about local history.
- In 1978, the library published The Nashua Experience: History in the Making, 1673-1978, A Definitive History of the City. This book tells the story of Nashua.
- A second book, The Nashua Experience: A Three-Decade Upgrade, 1978-2008, came out in 2009. Librarians from NPL wrote this sequel.
Explore Nashua Public Library Services
The Nashua Public Library offers many services for its visitors. You can get help from the Reference Department by phone, email, or in person. They can help you find information for school projects or just for fun.
The library has many online databases. These are great for research if you have a library card. They also have a microfilm collection. This includes old local and national newspapers. The Reference Department also keeps many historical photos of Nashua. You can see these photos at the library or online. If you need a book from another library, the Reference Department can help with Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services.
Discover Your Family History in the Hunt Room
The Reference Department also takes care of the Hunt Room. This room is special for genealogy (studying family history) and local history. It has many books about the history of Nashua, New Hampshire, and New England. If you're interested in your family's past, this is a great place to start.
The Nashua Public Library is also a State and Federal Depository Library. This means they keep important documents published by the State of New Hampshire and the U.S. Government. You can use these documents at the library.
Computer Access and Classes
You can use laptop or desktop computers in the Reference Department. These are helpful for job searching, writing resumes, or doing research. The Reference Department also offers computer classes. These classes teach you how to use computers and the internet. Some classes include Computer Basics, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. They even have classes on Genealogy! The library also offers drop-in help sessions for computer questions. You can find the full schedule of classes on the Computer Classes page.
Borrowing Books and More
The Nashua Public Library has a huge collection of items you can borrow.
- You'll find fiction and nonfiction books, including large print books.
- They have magazines, newspapers, and materials to help you learn new languages.
- You can also borrow audiobooks on CD and MP3 CD, music CDs, DVDs, and video games.
- Did you know you can even borrow ukuleles and a telescope?
- The library also has books in eight different languages, like French, Spanish, Chinese, and Hindi.
You can also download audiobooks and Ebooks. These are available through the NH Downloadable Book Consortium website. You can "check them out" and download them to your computer, phone, or other device. Library cardholders can also get museum passes. These passes give you free or discounted entry to local museums, zoos, and other fun places. The library also hosts films, concerts, and lectures throughout the year.
Getting a Library Card
If you live, work, or go to school in Nashua, you can get a free library card. You can apply at the circulation desk. If you own property in Nashua or are retired from working there, you can also get a free card. Anyone can search for items in the library's online catalog. With a card, you can log in to your account online. You can reserve items or renew things you've borrowed. You can also make a list of items you want to check out later.
Chandler Memorial Wing: Meeting Spaces
The Chandler Memorial Wing has several meeting rooms. These rooms are for nonprofit groups to use. There's a computer training room, a lecture room, a conference room, and an activity room. Three smaller rooms are perfect for quiet study or small meetings. There's also a theater that can seat up to 75 people.
Fun for Teens at the Library
The NPL Teen Room is a special place for teens aged 12–17. It has teen fiction, nonfiction, magazines, manga, and graphic novels. You can also find video games, work spaces, and computers. The library offers many programs and activities just for teens. These include crafts, anime club, fandom club, and Minecraft. During the Teen Summer Reading Program, you can join extra activities. You can also read to earn prizes and help raise money for charity!
The Children's Room
The NPL Children's Room is for kids from birth to age 11. It has fiction and nonfiction books for all ages. There's also a small collection of children's books in different languages. The parenting shelves have books, magazines, and pamphlets about raising children. The Children's Department also has many programs and activities. These include story times and crafts for different age groups.
Books by Mail Program
The library offers a "Books by Mail" program. This is for people in Nashua who have disabilities or are visually impaired. If you can't visit the library, you can receive books, audiobooks on CD, or magazines delivered to your home.
Friends of the Nashua Public Library
The Friends of the Nashua Public Library is a group that supports the library. They help get public support and interest in the library. They also encourage gifts and donations for the library. The Friends help people in Nashua learn about the library and use its services. They also encourage people to volunteer their time to help the library.
The Friends group helps provide special programs and services. These "extras" go beyond the library's regular budget. They include concerts, readings, speakers, children's programs, museum passes, and new materials and equipment.
