Bookmarking Year Two

As I reflect on year two as Director at the Aldrich Public Library, I am inspired by your generosity and bolstered by your commitment to the library. You came through for us at key moments this year. When the library faced a budget shortfall, the community came together and filled the gap. Across all ages and incomes, you attended programs and held lively discussions, anchoring the Aldrich at the heart of Barre. Growing numbers of you are coming through our doors to read, learn, and connect and we are incredibly grateful for every bit of your participation and support. Your kindness, curiosity, and love for the Aldrich and the community at large made all the difference this year.

Aldrich staff and volunteers dressed up as their favorite book characters.

We’re matching your enthusiasm with action, your belief with vision, and your hope with momentum. Together, we’re proving that a library is more than a building. It is a living, breathing part of the community, full of energy, ideas, and possibility. Every visit, every donation, every conversation helps make Barre stronger and more vibrant. 

Our Heritage Festival weekend is always a highlight for us! This year, we hosted the Barre Rotary Breakfast on the lawn, the Palletteers Art Show, and the Friends of the Library Book & Jewelry Sale. We also featured displays on Barre’s rich granite manufacturing history and shared oral histories capturing life in Barre through the years.

There are more challenges ahead and with them, even more opportunities. The October calendar is full of events, culminating with our first annual Fall Festival, October 23–25, featuring local theater, family activities, storytelling, and fall treats with November and December shaping up to be just as eventful. Your support and the dedication of the staff has positioned us to keep moving forward, and I’m excited to see what we accomplish together in year three.

With appreciation, 

Kristin

Kristin J Baumann

Aldrich Public Library, Director