2025 Annual Report
2025 Annual Report
Page 2 (see image for page 1)
Community Enhancements through external funding
Trial Friday hours: In response to an open hours survey of community needs, the library Trustees approved the use of State Aid grant funds to pilot new Friday hours. Fridays have been a success with 23% increase in library visits in the Fall of 2025. We plan to continue these hours.
Library Park: We were so thankful to have our Community Preservation Act grant application approved at Town Meeting in May for an accessible and interactive community park at the library . Since then, Omasta Landscaping Services has begun the installation of the park. We look forward to its completion in 2026!
Programming and Events: The Leverett Cultural Council funded events such as Didgeridoo Down Under, Playful Engineers, and a bookbinding workshop. The Friends of Leverett Library supported popular programs like the weekly CNC Playgroup and the Summer Reading Program. We also had generous donations of time like Geno Stamell hosting the Kids Open Mic and Woodsmith offering a tree pruning workshop. We couldn't provide high-quality opportunities like these without the support of people, businesses, organizations, and participants like you!
2020-2025 Long Range Plan - Complete
In 2019, we developed a five year plan for the library based on community input. See how we've met these priorities despite the Covid 19 pandemic, several leadership changes, and disruptions in federal funding.
1.Outreach - Enhanced use of our website, Facebook, Leverett Connects, LES newsletter, Wowbrary, and our library newsletter have all increased awareness of our services, hours and offerings.
2.Service - Successful trial of Friday hours in FY26. Library has served 770 more patrons in Fall 25.
3.Staff & Volunteers -The library was historically understaffed with 1.3 full time equivalent (FTE) employees. Now we have 1.7 FTE which allows us to always have two staff when open. In addition, part-time staff now earn pro-rated sick and personal time to support our community's health.
4.Collections - Added Kanopy, an online streaming service, and updated our online catalog. Increased non-traditional library offerings such as Craftsy, instruments, craft kits, Yoto cards, and games.
5.Programming - With the addition of a dedicated Programming Librarian, we've been able to increase our support and engagement with kids, Spanish speakers, and we've partnered with the Public Health Nurse, Council on Aging, and LES to provide high-quality information, support, and resources.
6.Facilities - A private donation added gardens to cool the front of the building and rain barrels for low energy maintenance. With a 100% Green Communities grant, we replaced our aging heating system with new air-source heat pumps. We added bathroom ventilation fans and otherwise took good care of the library building while the Friends funded significant repairs to the ADA sound system. And the new park will increase our accessible emergency exits making it safer for everyone.
Now it is time to write our next Long Range Plan. Reach out if you’d be interested in helping with that effort!
Gratefully submitted, Hannah Paessel, Library Director
Library Trustees: Lisa Werner (Chair), Chris Condit (Vice Chair), Judith Davidov, Rachel Flint, Joan Godsey, and Seth Seeger.
Library Trustees meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month except for July & August
Posted: to General News on Thu, Apr 9, 2026
Updated: Thu, Apr 9, 2026