Submitted by Charlotte M. Hutton, Librarian

Statistics compiled at the Lane Memorial Library for 1969 indicate the library’s continued growth in cultural services offered to thc community, services which are available to all, from the toddler to the senior citizen.

Services to youth include the Magic Green Carpet Story Hour, held each Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. to 10:45. The program is a combination of records, films and picture-book stories, and any child old enough to stay happily, is welcome to attend. The Summer Reading program had 55 children particiating and was climaxed with a party at the library. The Summer Festival of Films was held for nine weeks with 20 films used and a total attendance of 350 children. For all of the youth programs a total of 96 films was borrowed from the State Library for 92 different programs with a total attendance of 3,281 children. Circulation figures for 1969 show that 13,145 juvenile books were loaned.

The library staff are ready to assist every member of the community whenever possible. Through inter- library loan with other libraries in the area and from the resources of the Bookmobile and State Library, it is possible to borrow materials not available in our own library. The library now has added recordings and pamphlets to its list of circulating materials as well as a substantial collection of large print books for the handicapped. The adult circulation for 1969 shows 6,716 non-fiction, 2,665 periodicals, 900 records and 18,960 adult fiction. This increase in circulation is only possible because Hampton borrows heavily from the Bookmobile. In fact Hampton had the dubious honor of being the largest borrower in 1969 in the entire state. The library cannot hope to continue to offer adequate service to the community unless there is a substantial increase in the book budget.

Hampton is fortunate in having an active Friends of the Library group and their many hours of volunteer assistance in filing, mending and on Bookmobile visits is greatly appreciated. The interest of Oceanside Grange, the Garden Clubs, and Scouts has also been most beneficial. The library hopes to continue to offer increased quality and quantity of service. This will only be possible through the increased interest and support of the community.