This summer we are trying something new and will be having a virtual summer reading program powered by Readsquared! The state-wide READsquared subscription for New Hampshire public libraries is funded by the FY20 IMLS CARES Act grant, through the New Hampshire State Library. Click here to sign up!

This program is designed for children ages 0 to 14 to encourage life-long reading habits. Participants get points for logging how many minutes they read. They can also earn points by playing online mini-games and completing online missions. Points can be used to purchase raffle tickets for our many prize raffles.

We will soon have take-and-make crafts available for pick up at the library, as well as new STEM kits. You will be able to get points for these as well. Don’t forget we have curbside service available on Tuesday and Thursdays so you can pick up books for your children!

This is experience is new for us as well and we are learning along with you! If you have any questions or need help please email allenstownlib@comcast.net, contact us on Facebook, or call the library at 485-7651. 

Please check out this flyer from Girl Scouts about their virtual open houses!

If you have been waiting to return items to the library please put them in our outside dropbox. Thank you!

Curbside Pickup

The library will begin offering curbside pickup June 16th – by appointment only. Thank you for your patience as we navigate this new process. Here’s how it will work:

1. You will place holds by logging in to your account online, searching/browsing the catalog, or by calling the library. 
2. When your holds are ready, you will receive an email, Facebook message, or phone notification from the library.
3. At that point, you must either call the library at (603) 485-7651, email allenstownlib@comcast.net,  or message us through Facebook to schedule a pickup time. Pickup times will be between 11 AM and 3 PM Tuesday and Thursday. 
4. Visit the library at the allotted time to retrieve your materials. At this time, you may also return any items you have out, using the library-approved procedure.

How will I pick up my holds?

Items will be placed in front of the library entrance, in bags labeled with your last name. Items will already be checked out to you – so feel free to take your bag and go! This is a no-contact service, meaning that staff will not be outdoors.

At this time the library building will remain closed to the public.

Returns can be placed in the outside dropbox.

How can I find out if my holds are ready?

We ask that you wait until the library has contacted you to let you know your items are ready. At that time, you may schedule a pickup.

How do I place holds on items?

How to place a hold online:

1. To place a hold you must have a valid Allenstown Public Library card.
2. Go to allenstownlibrary.org and click on CATALOG or click right here.
3. Log in to your Library Account using your library card barcode number and the last 4 digits of the phone number you provided the library at sign-up.
4. Conduct a search in the Library Catalog
5. To request that the item be saved for you (placed on hold), click on Reserve. The system will immediately ask you to reserve again. Click on Reserve and then click on OK to confirm the hold. The system will then show you this and any other holds on your record.
6. The library will notify you by email, Facebook messenger, or by phone when a requested item is ready for pickup.
7. If you have difficulty logging in or accessing the internet, feel free to call us at (603) 485-7651 to place a hold over the phone.

Remember – we will let you know when the items are ready for you to schedule curbside pickup.

Can I request items from other libraries?

No. At this time, we are not receiving items from other NH libraries.

What safety precautions is the library taking?

All curbside pickup holds will be placed in brand new, never used bags by staff wearing masks and gloves.

We will be quarantining all returning items for a minimum of 72 hours. We will also be quarantining all newly ordered and received items arriving in the library before they are added to the library’s collection.

All library services will be operated with the minimum number of library staff, to avoid opportunities for contact.

How long will you offer this service?

Until further notice. Since our service levels are determined based on a number of public health factors, we do not know when our services, or our hours, will change. Please check our website at allenstownlibrary.org for updates.

We are very excited to announce that we can now offer Creativebug to all of our patrons! This would not have possible without a very generous grant from New Hampshire Humanities, which we are incredibly grateful for!

By signing up for Creativebug patrons have an all-access, no-boundaries pass to explore thousands of arts and crafts classes. People of all skill levels can work alongside instructors to learn craft techniques.

To sign up you need to click here and have your library card number ready. If you don’t know your number get in touch and we will give it to you. We hope you enjoy and have fun with this new resource!

The @NHSL NH downloadable books service added more eBooks that are temporarily “Always Available” to check out, with no waitlist: https://nh.overdrive.com/collection/1064268

Don’t forget! If you are an Allenstown resident without a library card who would like access to ebooks and e-audiobooks you can sign up online for a library card!

Message us on Facebook or email us at allenstownlib@comcast.net. Give us your full name, address, phone, and email. We will respond as quickly as we can and issue a library card number. That number can be used immediately to access ebooks and audiobooks on Overdrive and Libby.

Don’t forget! If you are an Allenstown resident without a library card who would like access to ebooks and e-audiobooks you can sign up online for a library card!

Message us on Facebook or email us at alllenstownlib@comcast.net. Give us your full name, address, phone, and email. We will respond as quickly as we can and issue a library card number. That number can be used immediately to access ebooks and audiobooks on Overdrive and Libby.

Are you feeling a bit helpless at home and wish you could do something about it? Here is a link to a list of several online volunteering opportunities that can be done from home. CLICK HERE!

“The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.” — Helen Keller

If you are a current patron who’s never tried ebooks before we can help you with that! Click here to get in touch with us or message us through our Facebook page for advice on how to start. You can also If you don’t know your library card number we can give you that as well!

Check out the video below to learn how to use the Libby app.