TOPSHAM — Topsham Public Library offers more than just a quiet place to study, read and relax.
It’s become a community hub for residents of all ages. The library supports the communities needs because the community supports it in return.
“When I was growing up the operative word was ‘shush,’ that’s not happening anymore,” said library patron and volunteer Sally Von Benken. “The library is lively and full of activity.”
Von Benken got a library card when she first moved to town more than 15 years ago. It seemed logical, as she loves to read, but she’s discovered the library had more to offer. Library staff members have always been available to answer her technology questions.
She’s built relationships within the library community willing to help. As an active community center, the library has found appreciation from the community in return.
But it needs funding to keep these functions going for the library’s 5,764 cardholders.
“The town pays for 85 percent of out budget. That covers the staffing and utilities,” said Director Susan Preece. “It’s about $90,000 that we need to raise.”
The library is gearing up for its annual appeal. David Mosley, who has been in charge of coordinating volunteers at the library, is stepping into a new role as development coordinator to help lead that charge.
Initially created through a grant about four years ago, the library decided to keep funding the position after the grant ran out, deeming it too important to lose. Preece said fundraising efforts more than doubled.
“We’ve had some turnover, but it’s such an important job,” she said. I interviewed a lot of candidates but he was the most qualified and there was no lag in setting up.”
The need to fill the position and fundraise is a vital role, because the community is taking advantage of the resources the library has to offer.
The number of daily users is on the rise according to Preece. The library has seen an average of 249 people per day so far this year, up from an average of 218 in the 2018 fiscal year. Free access to computers continues to be a key draw. Wi-Fi and public computer use increased by 21 and 25 percent, respectively, last year, a trend that is continuing into the new year.
Topsham’s library also has tried to cater to all age groups. There’s the more traditional story time for kids, but the library also offers programs for kids that fill the community center with music, dancing and instruments. There’s programming for teens along with a section full of music and video games. The Highlands Room regularly hosts speakers and meetings with up to 150 guests.
The increase in visitors can be attributed to those efforts to attract all types of patrons, Preece said.
“There’s no slow time in the library if you’re doing it right,” said Preece.
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