Derry’s Taylor Library is open for business – now on Sundays.
The East Derry fixture has been open on Sundays since Oct. 26, according to Director Linda Merrill.
After challenges to its budget and existence over the past two years, Merrill explained, Taylor was asked to do something to distinguish itself and provide different services from the larger Derry Public Library downtown. Merrill and the trustees hit upon the Sunday idea.
“Basically, we were told to reinvent ourselves,” she said.
So they did. The cozy, historic brick library is now open for people who want to browse, use their computers or just relax.
The staff makes it a Sunday home-away-from-home, with a drop-in craft for children, a choice of coffee, tea or hot chocolate, and snacks. “Whoever’s working that weekend takes their turn baking,” Merrill said.
Has it worked? Merrill pointed to the numbers. The first Sunday they had 31 patrons, 86 books checked out or requested from Interlibrary Loan, and three new cards.
“The new cards were for people who have cards with Derry Public Library and can’t get there during the week,” Merrill explained. The second week saw 75 books checked out or requested, the third week, 107, the fourth, 84 and the fifth, 78.
Some of the users are children or teens doing research projects who need to use the computers, she added.
“It keeps us hopping,” Merrill said.
But she’s happy to hop, in order to continue to serve her patrons.
The library is open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The library is also open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m.; and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Merrill is also taking registrations for the popular “Polar Express” evening, run by herself and Children’s Librarian Fran Mears. The program, which includes stories, hot chocolate, cookies and a ride in the “Polar Express,” is offered Dec. 9, 10 and 11 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required.
For more information about Sunday hours or to register for “Polar Express,” call 432-7186.
