The New Hartford Library, located in New Hartford, New York, is a public library that serves the community by providing access to a wide range of materials, programs, and services. With a rich history dating back to 1897, the library has evolved to meet the changing needs of its patrons, offering a diverse collection of books, media, and digital resources. The library's mission is to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment that fosters a love of reading, learning, and community engagement.
History and Development
The New Hartford Library was established in 1897, with a initial collection of 500 books and a small reading room. Over the years, the library has undergone several expansions and renovations, including a major renovation in 2003 that added a new wing and increased the library’s square footage. Today, the library boasts a collection of over 60,000 items, including books, audiobooks, e-books, DVDs, and digital media. The library’s facilities include a spacious reading room, a children’s area, a teen room, and a community meeting room.
Collection and Services
The New Hartford Library offers a wide range of materials and services to meet the diverse needs of its patrons. The library’s collection includes fiction and non-fiction books, audiobooks, e-books, magazines, newspapers, and digital media. Patrons can access the library’s catalog online, reserve items, and renew loans. The library also offers interlibrary loan services, allowing patrons to borrow materials from other libraries. In addition to its physical collection, the library provides access to digital resources, including e-books, streaming services, and online databases.
| Collection Category | Number of Items |
|---|---|
| Books | 45,000 |
| Audiobooks | 5,000 |
| E-books | 10,000 |
| DVDs | 8,000 |
| Digital Media | 2,000 |
Programs and Events
The New Hartford Library offers a wide range of programs and events for adults, children, and teens. These include author talks, book clubs, children’s storytime, teen gaming events, and community workshops. The library also partners with local organizations to offer programs and services, such as literacy tutoring, job search assistance, and health and wellness workshops. During the summer months, the library offers a summer reading program, which encourages children and teens to read and participate in library events.
Children’s Services
The New Hartford Library offers a range of services and programs specifically designed for children. The children’s area is equipped with a collection of picture books, early readers, and juvenile fiction and non-fiction titles. The library also offers children’s storytime, which includes reading, singing, and crafts. The library’s summer reading program is designed to encourage children to read and participate in library events, with rewards and prizes for participating children.
- Children's storytime: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 am
- Summer reading program: June 1 - August 31
- Children's book clubs: monthly, for children ages 6-12
Technology and Digital Resources
The New Hartford Library offers a range of technology and digital resources to support learning and research. The library’s computer lab is equipped with public access computers, printers, and scanners. Patrons can access the library’s Wi-Fi network using their own devices. The library also offers digital resources, including e-books, streaming services, and online databases. Patrons can access these resources from home using their library card and PIN.
Digital Collections
The New Hartford Library’s digital collections include e-books, audiobooks, and digital media. Patrons can access these collections using their library card and PIN. The library’s digital collections are available through platforms such as OverDrive and Hoopla. Patrons can browse and check out digital titles, which can be downloaded to their devices or streamed online.
| Digital Collection | Number of Titles |
|---|---|
| E-books | 10,000 |
| Audiobooks | 5,000 |
| Digital Media | 2,000 |
What are the library’s hours of operation?
+The New Hartford Library is open Monday - Thursday, 9:00 am - 8:00 pm, Friday - Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, and Sunday, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
How do I get a library card?
+To get a library card, visit the library’s circulation desk with a valid form of identification and proof of residency. Library cards are free for New Hartford residents and available for a small fee for non-residents.
What programs and services does the library offer for children?
+The New Hartford Library offers a range of programs and services for children, including children’s storytime, summer reading programs, and book clubs. The library also offers a children’s area with a collection of picture books, early readers, and juvenile fiction and non-fiction titles.
