The Hepburn Library of Lisbon wrapped up its 97th year of service to the residents of Lisbon and its surrounding communities with an increase in both visitors and circulation. Last year, the library saw 9,565 visitors who checked out books and movies, accessed the internet, completed homework assignments, read a magazine, socialized with friends, made crafts, listened to storytime, watched a movie, shopped our book sale, donated blood, attended a community service organization meeting, or made use of the community room for a party or special event.
Last year, the library hosted 136 program sessions that included story time, Lego Club, Summer Reading, movie nights, game days, guitar lessons, and children’s makerspace programs. Adult activities included Red Cross blood drives, community lectures, and many programs related to arts and crafts. Over 1,700 people participated in a library-sponsored program or event.
The library participated in the regional Battle of the Books competition, Train Day at the Lisbon Depot Museum, Lisbon’s Homecoming Weekend, Halloween Trick or Treat, and Lights on the River. The library actively participates in and promotes the FROGS program at Lisbon Central School, the Little Free Libraries initiative, and provides over 500 books annually to visitors at the Lisbon Beach and Campground.
The library’s community room continues to see much activity. With a capacity of 107 people, the library collaborates with the Lions Club, Trappers, Sportsmen, and Lights on the River on a monthly basis to host meetings and special programs. Library visitors may reserve the community room for private events on evenings and weekends, and the library hosts many birthday parties, baby showers, and family reunions. The library also serves as the polling place for voters in the Town of Lisbon. In 2017, the library hosted 98 programs with 3,414 participants.
The library staff and trustees are extremely proud of the increase in community reach over the past few years. Since 2010, the number of visitors to the Lisbon Library has more than quadrupled (from 2,345 visitors in 2010 to 9,565 visitors in 2017) and the number of items circulated has seen a similar increase (from 2,723 items lent in 2010 to 10,301 items lent in 2017). Circulation is evenly split between children and adults.
The Lisbon Library owns 16,700 print books, 2,500 movies, 5,400 downloadable books (via the shared NCLS electronic collection), and a small assortment of other items that circulate – board games, jigsaw puzzles, and other miscellaneous items. The library subscribes to fifty-one magazine titles, provides access to the Overdrive Media collection, Ancestry.com, and other services at no charge to patrons.
The Hepburn Library of Lisbon is open twenty-five hours per week: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Wednesday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The library’s Board of Trustees includes Barbara Shoemaker, David Walker, Angela Martin, Andrea Mericle, Joyce Flack, and Carol Smith. The Board meets most months on the second Monday at 6:00 pm.
Library staff is always happy to show visitors around the historic building, located in the heart of Lisbon on County Route 10. With over 1,300 new books and 350 new BluRays/DVDs last year, there’s sure to be something for everyone to read or watch. If you’re looking for a place to host a private party or event, keep the library’s community room in mind – with a large parking lot, handicap accessible entrance, and a full-size kitchen, the library can provide a quality space at an affordable price ($30 for a full-day rental).
The next time you’re in Lisbon, or passing through the area, please stop by the Hepburn Library of Lisbon and check us out!