ABOUT NPL
Staff | Holidays | Policies | Trustees | Strategic Plan | History | In the News | Press Releases
Mission Statement
The Norwich Public Library serves as a community center for the town providing traditional and innovative resources for all patrons and offering library experiences that support education, imagination, and community engagement.
Staff
Lucinda Walker, Director
Lisa Milchman, Assistant Director
Erin Davison, Youth Services Librarian
Erin McNulty, Community Engagement Coordinator
Julia Greider, Technical Services Librarian
Sydney Smith, Circulation & Volunteer Coordinator
Nitzah Winter, Youth Services Assistant
Holiday Observances
Norwich Public Library is closed to observe the following holidays:
New Year’s Day (observed) – Monday, January 2, 2023
Martin Luther King Day – Monday, January 16, 2023
President’s Day – Monday, February 20, 2023
Memorial Day – Monday, May 29, 2023
Juneteenth – Monday, June 19, 2023
Independence Day – Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Labor Day – Monday, September 4, 2023
Indigenous Peoples’ Day – Monday, October 9, 2023
Halloween – Tuesday, Oct. 31 the library will close at 3 PM
Veteran’s Day – Friday, November 10, 2023
Thanksgiving – Thursday, November 23, 2023
Day after Thanksgiving – Friday, November 24, 2023
Christmas Eve (observed) – Saturday, December 23, 2023
Christmas Day – Monday, December 25, 2023
Policies
Trustees
Board meetings are held at 7 PM the fourth Monday of every month (except August and December) in the Library’s Community Room. The meetings are open to the public.
President, Molly Gentine
Vice President, Emily Myers
Treasurer, Tricia Spellman
Secretary, Marisa Lorenzo
Richard Adams
Marc Aquila
Todd Thompson
Megan Tompkins
Margo Nutt (Ex officio, Friends of NPL President)
Strategic Plan
- The 2022 Strategic Plan
- See a Summary of the 2016 plan
- Full 2016 document: NPL Strategic Plan
History
The Norwich Public Library Association was organized by a handful of dedicated Norwich citizens on December 14, 1880. The initial collection of 256 volumes was housed in the Congregational Church Vestry. By 1888 the collection had grown to 1000 volumes and was moved to the Norwich Academy building. Fire destroyed the Academy building in 1897 and 20% of the collection was lost. The remaining books were moved to the home of James Hutchinson on Main Street while plans were developed for a permanent home for the collection. Thomas & Lizzie Hazen donated the lot.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new library was held on September 11, 1901 and the building dedicated in 1902. Fees and donations sustained the Library until the Town of Norwich offered its support of $350 in 1922 with an annual grant. In 1971, the Library received a gift of $1,000 from the Town, which allowed library hours to be expanded to two days per week and to increase the volumes to over 6,000. In 1975, the Bicentennial Wing of the Library was dedicated and built, thanks to federal assistance, local gifts, and pledges totaling over $65,000.
The most recent renovation, completed in July 1999, more than doubled the square footage. The Library was automated in 2000. Presently, we are open six days a week for a total of 44.5 hours. The Library maintains a collection of over 35,000 volumes, including books, magazines, DVDs, audiobooks, and an expanding collection of digital resources. With over 3500 registered borrowers, we offer a Community Room meeting space for local groups, exhibit space for artists, Internet access, and free wireless access.
Join us as we build upon a tradition of excellent service and a first-rate collection while meeting the challenges and promises of the future.
We look forward to seeing you at the Library!
With appreciation to Jean Lawe
In the News
“Out and about: Norwich peeps diorama contest expands reach,” by Liz Sauchelli. Valley News, April 14, 2020.
“Rural Libraries Help Communities Access Health Information,” by Allee Mead. The Rural Monitor, March 11, 2020.
“List: Library resources available during coronavirus closings.” Valley News, March 19, 2020.
“Library cards unlock access to bikes, benefiting entire communities,” by Alessandra Bautze. Shareable.net, August 19, 2019.
“Peep this: Peeps dioramas from Norwich, Newport libraries,” Valley News, May 4, 2019. (subscription required)
“Vermont libraries provide community, not just books,” by Gareth Henderson. Christian Science Monitor, August 17, 2018.
Press Releases
Norwich Public Library Designated a “Star Library” by Library Journal. December 22, 2020.
Norwich Public Library to Host e-Bikes during August. August 7, 2019
Staff | Holidays | Policies | Trustees | Strategic Plan | History | In the News | Press Releases