Wishing the NH State Library a Very Happy National Library Week!

In honor of this week being National Library Week, each day the Langdon Library will spotlight different groups that contribute to our library’s success. Today: the NH State Library! Established in 1717, our State Library is the oldest in the nation. In addition to their function as a public library and repository of genealogical resources, archival materials and government documents, the State Library coordinates several systems on behalf of over 230 public libraries in NH, including our library. The State Library administers the software and van delivery system that tracks over 230,000 interlibrary loans throughout the state every year, sending an average of 9,000 items per week, picked up and delivered on 4-6 van routes, who make approximately 60 stops per day, five days a week! In 2024, the Langdon Library borrowed 239 books, 7 “Reads to Go” kits (containing 15 books each) for our book group, 31 DVDs, 16 audiobooks, one “sensory pack” and two Virtual Reality Game systems from Interlibrary Loan. Borrowing these items instead of purchasing them saved us between $6,000 and $9,000! The State Library also administers New Hampshire Downloadables, otherwise known as the popular Libby app, where you can download digital ebooks and audiobooks using your library card. Langdon Library patrons borrowed 2,797 digital items from Libby in 2024, over 25% of our total annual circulation. The infrastructure of the NHDB catalog, the selection and quantity of titles, and training of library staff in its use is primarily done by State Library staff. The State Library supports NH public libraries with these services and many, many more. We would like to wish NHSL a very happy National Library Week, and many thanks on behalf of our library!