the future of libraries

Talk of the Nation had a story on Monday examining public libraries–what they are doing to address the increasing amount of digitization of information, and how they are working to change the public’s image of the library only as a place to get books.
What’s going on at the Madison Library:

• March 9th @ 7pm–a presentation on how to access and use online databases.
• Chat reference–IM the library with your question–we’re online most of our open hours.
• Podcasts–check Odeo link at bottom of this page–we’re just getting started with this way of sharing what’s going on at the library with the community via the web.

What’s coming up soon tech-wise:

• Remote web access to our catalog and your library account.
• Downloadable audio books–the NH State Library is negotiating with vendors so that small libraries like ours can offer this service.

The Madison Library as Community Center: Come on down!

• Storytimes twice a week–Tuesday mornings for really little ones, Thursdays for preschoolers. And now, bedtime stories at 7pm on the last Thursday of every month.
• Monthly afternoon and evening book discussion groups for adults.
• Teen game nights and book discussions during the summer.
• Programs for elementary school aged children during school vacation weeks.
• 8-week summer reading program for children 3 to 12. This year’s theme is Treasure Reading.
• NEW THIS YEAR–adult summer reading program with weekly prize drawings.
• Bridge Group meets weekly starting in the spring after a winter hiatus.
• Friends of Madison Library host programs for the community throughout the year.