We are a full-service library offering a range of services! We have books, movies, and audio books available for check out; public access computers; 24/7 wi-fi; printers, scanner, and photocopier; art exhibits; inter-library loan services; public programs and events; and much, much more. Read on below for more information about our library services.
Our building renovations were completed in spring 2020. We now have:
- a vestibule to keep out the cold and provide a welcoming handicap-accessible entrance
- new energy efficient windows throughout (for plenty of fresh air during the summer months)
- fully-serviceable elevator
- newly renovated bathroom upstairs
- plus a brand new bathroom downstairs
- a dedicated teen area with comfy floor rockers and poufs
- all new comfortable furniture and paint throughout, which really freshens up the space
- the library is 100% heated with a heat pump system (with electric backup for subzero temps)
Click small images to see in full size
(many thanks to Peter Keene for taking the photographs)
OUR COLLECTION:
We maintain a collection of approximately 20,000 books, videos, and audio books and add an average of 100 new titles each month. Some popular sections of our collection include: Local and Vermont History, Farm/Food/Gardening, Parenting/Education/Home School, Mystery/Thriller, Large Print books, and much, much more!
- Can’t find what you are looking for in our catalog? Just ask! For more information, see our Inter-Library Loan section, below.
- Check out our recent additions to the collection » Goodreads
- Thanks to the Department of Libraries, we maintain a rotating collection of Large Print books.
DVD MOVIES & AUDIO BOOKS:
We’ve got a very good selection of films, documentaries, and children & young adult films on DVD; also audio books on CD. Thanks to the Librarians of the Upper Valley (LUV) Cooperative, we have access to a rotating film and audio book collection, which means we have new movie and audio book titles on a regular basis.
E-LIBRARY:
With your library card, you have access to a world of free resources on the web. Go to any of these links for more information on online learning, research, borrowing e-books/audio books and more:
- E-books, audio books, BML’s newest acquisitions, book reviews, and more » Books & Reading
- Free online university courses, ESL, online universal classes, and more » Learning
- Local history, ancestry, newspapers, and more » Research
ONE-CARD:
The OneCard is a project of Upper Valley Vermont libraries to allow patrons to use just one card to borrow from participating libraries. Libraries include: Bradford, Chelsea, Fairlee, Groton, Hartford, Hartland, Norwich, Quechee, Tenney (Newbury), Weathersfield-Proctor (Ascutney), Wilder, and Windsor. Stop in to the library to get a card and use it next time you’re in a participating library!
INTER-LIBRARY LOAN:
Can’t find what you are looking for in our library catalog or on our shelves? Just ask! We can find most any title through Vermont’s Inter-Library Loan system. Blake Memorial Library is a participant in the Vermont Library Delivery Service, made possible by the Green Mountain Library Consortium. Each week, our library receives a bin of books and other items from around the state.
There are three ways to request a book, DVD, audio book, or other item:
- Stop by the library and fill out a Request Form.
- Call the library at (802) 439-5338 with the following information: book title, author, your name, and your contact information. We’ll give you a call when your item is in.
- Email the book title, author, your name, and your contact information to blakemem@tops-tele.com. We’ll give you a call or email when your item in in.
PERIODICALS:
We subscribe to more than 30 periodicals that you can find right here in the library. In addition to two newspapers—The Valley News and the Journal Opinion—you’ll also find these popular magazines: Time, The New Yorker, National Geographic, Smithsonian, Northern Woodlands, Bon Appétit, Bark, and many more.
Periodicals can be checked out for a period of two weeks; the exception is the latest issue of any periodical as those remain in the library.
KIDS’ ROOM:
The entire bottom floor of our building is devoted to children. Besides books and videos, our children’s area has toys, puzzles, games, comfy couches and chairs, and an arts and crafts area. Be sure to visit For Kids and Young Adults web page for details on all that we offer!
PUBLIC COMPUTER ACCESS:
The library has eight public access computers available for your use, including three desktop and four laptop computers. Public wi-fi is available 24/7 from our parking lot and grounds.
PRINTER and SCANNER:
In addition to our black & white printer, we have a professional photo-quality color printer available for your use. It’s best to call ahead if you have color printing needs. Do you have paper documents that you want converted into digital documents? We also have a scanner available for your use. A black and white photocopy machine is also available. Suggested donation for copies black and white copies: $0.15 each.
ART EXHIBITS:
The library features both permanent and rotating art exhibits. Past exhibits have included photography, collage, painting, and weavings. Next time you’re in the library, be sure to look above the bookcases to see what’s on display.
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS:
The library presents many programs and events every month including book discussions, author visits, Story Hour for kids, public movie and documentary screenings, skills workshops, visiting speakers, Garden Tours, Plant & Book Sales, and more! Check out our calendar or upcoming events page to find out what’s happening at the library.
