Town Votes Yes for GYRLA
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The Gilmanton Year-Round Library Association would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you for those who supported the library in the 2026 town election!
We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped keep the library going throughout 2025 and offered funds as well as kind, encouraging words along the way. It was a challenging year, and your support helped carry us through. Because of you, GYRLA was able to keep the doors open through 2026! Your support means we can continue providing books for families and individuals, computer and internet access for those who may not have it at home, and engaging programs for children and adults. We are so grateful to be part of such a supportive community. Thank you for believing in the library and in our mission to promote literacy, provide valuable resources, and serve as a welcoming community hub for all. Thank you so much for your support! – GYRLA Board members and staff |
The Gilmanton Year-Round Library Doors Will Stay Open until March 2026!
The Gilmanton Year-Round Library Board of Directors is pleased to provide an update on the status of fundraising efforts and plans moving forward. The GYRLA petition warrant article that failed to pass in March was a request for $47,100. This equates to about half of the GYRL annual operating budget. Fundraising efforts have been ongoing since March to compensate for the funding gap.
The Board made the decision to focus on providing core library services and maintain regular hours of operation. Changes that were made to reduce expenses included the suspension of adult programs that involved a cost to the GYRL. Purchases of adult media were also suspended. Proceeds from the Ed and Marge Maher Memorial Fund allowed us to maintain a robust program for children and enabled the continued purchase of children’s media.
Generous support from the Gilmanton community and beyond has closed the gap in funding and the GYRLA Board is so grateful!
The following list includes fundraising endeavors since March:
Funds generated from these projects were applied to our $47,000 goal. We were fortunate to receive a bequest from Elizabeth Arms that bridged the gap between the warrant article request and donation and fundraising proceeds to date. Elizabeth was a long-time supporter of the GYRL, and her final gift is so deeply appreciated.
Funds generated by the GYRLA in a given year are typically used to offset expenses during the following fiscal year. Without Town funding this year, fundraising proceeds were utilized to keep the library doors open this year. Therefore, aggressive fundraising will still be needed to cover operating expenses for the coming year.
Our request to the Town in 2026 through the petition warrant article is currently estimated to be $35,000. This is the lowest amount the GYRLA has ever requested and is less than one-third of the projected 2026 library budget. The generosity of Elizabeth Arms enabled us to reduce the request significantly.
The GYRLA is also focused on long-term strategies that will result in a sustainable future for the library. The establishment of an Operations Endowment is among our top priorities.
The GYRLA Board is so appreciative of the support we have received and look forward to restoring services that were suspended. Along with our librarians, we look forward to continuing to provide comprehensive library services to all our community members.
The Gilmanton Year-Round Library Board of Directors is pleased to provide an update on the status of fundraising efforts and plans moving forward. The GYRLA petition warrant article that failed to pass in March was a request for $47,100. This equates to about half of the GYRL annual operating budget. Fundraising efforts have been ongoing since March to compensate for the funding gap.
The Board made the decision to focus on providing core library services and maintain regular hours of operation. Changes that were made to reduce expenses included the suspension of adult programs that involved a cost to the GYRL. Purchases of adult media were also suspended. Proceeds from the Ed and Marge Maher Memorial Fund allowed us to maintain a robust program for children and enabled the continued purchase of children’s media.
Generous support from the Gilmanton community and beyond has closed the gap in funding and the GYRLA Board is so grateful!
The following list includes fundraising endeavors since March:
- Spring Hanging Basket Sale (Blooms for Books)
- Appeal Letter to GYRL supporters
- Participation in NH Gives
- Facebook Fundraiser
- Charitable gaming partnership with Lakes Region Casino
- Summer Books Sales
- Silent Auction
- Root Beer Float/Plant Sale
- Craft Table during Gilmanton Farmers’ Market
- Amazon Wishlist for Library Media
Funds generated from these projects were applied to our $47,000 goal. We were fortunate to receive a bequest from Elizabeth Arms that bridged the gap between the warrant article request and donation and fundraising proceeds to date. Elizabeth was a long-time supporter of the GYRL, and her final gift is so deeply appreciated.
Funds generated by the GYRLA in a given year are typically used to offset expenses during the following fiscal year. Without Town funding this year, fundraising proceeds were utilized to keep the library doors open this year. Therefore, aggressive fundraising will still be needed to cover operating expenses for the coming year.
Our request to the Town in 2026 through the petition warrant article is currently estimated to be $35,000. This is the lowest amount the GYRLA has ever requested and is less than one-third of the projected 2026 library budget. The generosity of Elizabeth Arms enabled us to reduce the request significantly.
The GYRLA is also focused on long-term strategies that will result in a sustainable future for the library. The establishment of an Operations Endowment is among our top priorities.
The GYRLA Board is so appreciative of the support we have received and look forward to restoring services that were suspended. Along with our librarians, we look forward to continuing to provide comprehensive library services to all our community members.