Newmarket Public Library
The Collectivist
Newmarket is one of the seacoast’s best kept secrets. The town itself sits somewhere between Stratham and Exeter in population. In vibe, you’re looking at a blend of Portsmouth and Exeter - all of the historic beauty and art scenes of those areas blended together perfectly to give us - Newmarket. Incorporated in 1727(!), the town started as a trade center due to the Lamprey River, and quickly developed into a (now) classic NH mill town. The town’s center has retained that mill-town-chic and still boasts glorious brick buildings (the stuff of every Millennial’s studio/loft dreams).
Like many smaller NH towns, there is a heavy focus on the preservation of not just the town’s history, but the ecology of the area. The proximity to the river, and the significant forested areas (41%!) seem to attract and retain residents that are committed to conservation and environmentalism. As in many places, populations that are serious about environmentalism are often also very active in the arts. Advocacy through art is clearly a cornerstone of the town, and one that I appreciate! In the downtown area you see many murals, as well as paintings and photos for sale in the coffee shops. The architecture of the town itself is an art form.
All of this is to say - Newmarket’s Library is a center for culture. Be it diversity, art, environmentalism, mutual aid, etc - you can find it here. That collectivist mindset is most apparent when you look at their available programming and event calendar. When I was first trying to find a third space for my toddler and myself during the day, Newmarket was the library that really hooked us. I needed to find a safe, warm, not-concrete-floored area where I could let him play and get some social interaction with other kids. I found it here.
Building Amenities
The building itself is pretty small, but standard for the area. There isn’t a lot of wiggle-room for outdoor expansion, so they clearly make the most out of every inch of indoor space that they have.
There is 1 meeting room which is directly across from the circulation desk. This is also the room for both child and adult programming.
The tower room - to the left of the circ desk - has comfy chairs, a puzzle table, and an abundance of natural light. If you were going to work from home, this is likely where you’d set up.
Though not necessarily a feature of the building itself, but it is next to a drive-thru coffee shop which is always a plus in my book. Actual library parking is sparse, but the entire area around it is parking lots and I have never had a problem finding parking there.
Children’s Room
Fantastic. Just absolutely fantastic.
The first thing that is going to draw the eye is that there is an actual play area. There are toys and rotating play displays. At the time of my most recent visit, there was the pictured puppet show stump. Previously, there have been play kitchens, different toys, smaller kid board book displays — it changes and it’s always well thought out.
What you won’t notice at first glance, but is maybe the biggest indicator of a thriving children’s department, is how well curated the children’s collection is. The actual selection that they offer is updated, relevant, diverse, and interesting to both kids and parents. The picture book storage is set up to be accessible to little-guys and easier for them to find things that might interest them. There’s a significant foreign language section, as well as parenting books (the digital literacy and safety ones piqued my interest).
The arts and crafts table is huge and the nearby supplies are easily accessible.
If I need to find something to complain about, it’s the changing table. The bathroom in general is older and there’s not a lot of space. They’ve clearly done what they can, but it was kind of a bummer when I had a looooong baby. Overall negligible with regard to the experience.
A+ all around
Teen Room
The teen area can be found if you go straight past the circ desk, and take a right before going into the children’s room. Diagonally toward the back of the building, the staff have carved out an alcove for teens. There are lots of games, comfy seating, and privacy. The space overall feels welcoming and safe. There are a lot of resources posted for teens.
Friendliness
I don’t have a library card here, but I have always felt as though the staff interacts with me like they know me. They don’t - but it always feels like they do. I’ve never walked in and felt ignored or like my out-of-left-field questions are a nuisance.
Collection
A++
I’ve already waxed poetic about the stellar kids collection, but the collection for the older crowd is just as good. Outside the meeting room is where the main current display is, and the selection there was top notch. Lots of books that I have heard great things about, but not even seen displayed in other locations yet. They’re dominating the acquisition game.
Programs/Events
Their events and programming offerings can be found here.
Top notch. Interesting, fun, relevant, and unique. They’re clearly very tapped into what the local community wants. There are a lot of environmental events and crafting programs for adults and children.