Converse Free Library Overview
Converse Free Library is the public library serving the town of Lyme, New Hampshire, with a history that traces back to the first library in town formed in 1778 as the “Social Library in Lime.” In 1908, a formal public library was established, and in 1936 a dedicated building was constructed through a bequest in memory of Sidney Converse. A large addition was built in the early 1980s to expand the facility. The library supports both the public community and Lyme Elementary School through shared collections and services.
Library Website
Location and Contact
- Address: 38 Union Street, Lyme, NH 03768
- Phone: (603) 795-4622
- Email: info@lymenhlibrary.org
Hours of Operation
Typical library hours include:
- Monday: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – Noon
- Sunday: Closed
Collection and Resources
The library’s collection includes tens of thousands of physical and digital materials available for lending:
- Books, periodicals, DVDs, and audiobooks on CD
- Access to eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines through the New Hampshire Downloadable Books Consortium (using apps such as Libby or OverDrive)
- Streaming video resources available through digital services linked by the library website
Library Services
Borrowing and Membership
- Library cards are available to residents and nonresidents; residency affects account renewal terms.
- Physical materials (books, magazines, audio/video) are usually loaned for designated periods.
- The Interlibrary Loan service provides access to materials from libraries throughout New Hampshire and beyond.
Technology and Public Access
- Public access computers and 24/7 wireless internet are available within the library building and on the porch.
- Internet access is subject to library policies governing acceptable use.
Programs and Community Engagement
- The library hosts programs such as summer reading events and story times for children.
- Meeting rooms and space for community activities may be available during open hours.
Policies and Planning
The library maintains documented policies and plans, including:
- Collection Development Policy outlining how materials are selected to meet community needs.
- Library Membership and Borrowing Privileges Policy detailing account types, privileges, and terms. Other policies (e.g., Internet access, meeting room use) help govern operations and user expectations.
External Resources
- Online library catalog: searchable list of holdings and loan information.
- Digital collections: participating services for eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and streaming video.
- Interlibrary Loan: statewide and national resource sharing program.