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About Us
About the Library
The Jaffrey Public Library is located at 38 Main Street in beautiful downtown Jaffrey, NH, home to Mount Monadnock. We offer both print and digital collections for children, teens, and adults, as well as modern library services and programming for all ages.
Our Mission
The Jaffrey Public Library serves as a community resource for lifelong learning where everyone is welcome to gather, discover, and succeed in a safe, nurturing environment.
Our Vision
The Jaffrey Public Library will contribute to advancing an informed and technologically literate citizenry. Our Library will serve as a model for our region, state, and the nation, demonstrating how public libraries can have a powerful impact on the future economic and social vitality of rural communities.
Our Values
The core values of our organization include equity, diversity, community, stewardship, excellence, and innovation.
History
Designed in the Romanesque Revival style, the Library was originally named for its benefactress Susan B. Clay and dedicated on July 4, 1896, as the Clay Library. The Soldiers' Monument in front of the Library, dedicated in 1900, commemorates those who served in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Mexican and Civil Wars.
In 2023, the Clay Library (also known as the Jaffrey Public Library) was named to the National Register of Historic Places. The National Park Service states that "The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archeological resources."
Email Address
- How do I get a free library card?
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If you are a Jaffrey or Sharon resident, own property, or work or attend school in Jaffrey, you are eligible for a free library card. Bring a current photo ID with an up-to-date address and, if you are not a resident of Jaffrey, proof of local employment or your school ID. If you are a new resident and your photo ID does not have the current address, you may bring in other proof of local residence such as a pay stub, utility bill, or rental agreement. Please see our Circulation Policy (PDF) for more information. Ingalls Memorial Library and Frost Free Library cardholders in good standing may use their home library cards at the Jaffrey Public Library at no charge.
- I am not a Jaffrey or Sharon resident. Can I still get a card?
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Yes! If you own property, work full-time, or attend school in Jaffrey, you are eligible for a free library card. If you vacation in Jaffrey or live in a nearby town, you may register for a single user, non-resident library card for $45 for 6 months or $80 for a full year. A household (multi-user) non-resident card is $100 for a year, and we offer a senior discount of only $40 per year for anyone over the age of 65.
- How old do you need to be to get a library card?
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You must be 5 years or older to register for a library card. Youth ages 5 to 17 require a signed registration by a parent or guardian. Please see our Circulation Policy (PDF) for more information.
- Do I need to bring my children with me to sign them up for library cards?
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Yes, we ask that your children be present when registering for their cards.
- Can I sign up my grandchild for a library card?
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Parents or legal guardians must be the ones to register their children for library cards.