The Concord Public Library operates a branch in Penacook for residents who live in that far-flung section of the city. (Okay, it’s not that far-flung, and it’s open to anyone.) We sent a few question to Pam Stauffacher, who is in charge of that location, to get the skinny on Concord’s satellite library.
What sort of things does the Penacook branch offer in terms of services and selection?
People who visit the Penacook branch will find the same types of materials that are housed at the main library. At the branch, current popular books are added to both the adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction collections. DVDs and VHS movies are rotated from the main library collection each month. The branch has a selection of large print books and audiobooks, and has subscriptions to several popular magazines as well as to the Concord Monitor.
One of the best services the branch offers is access to all the circulating materials kept at the main library. Items are transferred between the main library and the branch three times a week, so a Penacook patron has only to make the request.
Interlibrary loan requests can also be made at the branch, and the item will be delivered to the branch. Regardless of whether a patron checks out materials at the main library or at the branch, the items can be returned at either location.
The branch library has one public computer with internet access, a computerized library catalog terminal, a printer and a copy machine.
What’s something neat about the Penacook library that people may not know about?
Many people don’t know that there is a stage and a large wooden puppet theater on the second floor.
Who are the Friends of the Penacook Branch Library? What do they do?
The Friends are a small group of dedicated volunteers who promote and provide support to the Penacook branch activities. Through their year-round book sale shelf and their annual book sale, they raise funds to provide programs, purchase craft supplies and materials for children’s programs, and for special projects. They also volunteer their time by helping at the branch’s special events and programs.
Since the library is housed in a former police station, are there still jail cells?
Yes, it was the police station and indeed there are still jail cells in the basement. While this is a nifty, yet kind of creepy, feature of the library, it is not open to the public.
