Meredith Library offering gift packs to anyone who donates over $100

MEREDITH — This June, the Meredith Public Library celebrates the 125th Anniversary of the opening of its beautiful brick building on Main Street in downtown Meredith. As part of the celebration, the library is offering a special gift pack to anyone who donates $100 or more to the Friends of the Meredith Library.

The gift pack contains several items originally produced in different eras of the library's and the town's existence. Among the treasures are a lovely matted print and a package of greeting cards featuring the beautiful painting created by Dr. Marc Bard for a fundraising effort during the fall of 2024. Going back in time, another item in the gift pack is a book titled "Filling the Void" by local historian and longtime Meredith News editor Rudy VanVeghten, who wrote this well-researched and detailed history of the Meredith Public Library in 1989. It allows readers to discover the people and personalities that shaped the library over the years. Reaching back farther in Meredith history, two DVDs are included which contain plays and skits written by Meredith celebrity and Archie Comics creator Bob Montana. One of the DVDs humorously tells the history of Meredith up until 1968.

A rechargeable USB reading light and a cute little stuffed dog (wearing a sweater that proclaims he loves to read) as well as a copy of the poem read during the building's opening ceremony are also included. The gift packs are available for sale at the library circulation desk.

The library itself was a gift from a former town resident named Benjamin M. Smith who paid over $10,000, which was the entire cost of the project. He made this generous donation on honor of his parents, John and Mary Smith. The original bronze plaque unveiled at the building's opening and dedication ceremony on June 17, 1901, can still be seen in the front vestibule of the library.

The staff of the library has planned a special anniversary celebration for Saturday, June 6. The public is invited to attend that event and celebrate a 125-year-old gift to the people of Meredith — a gift that truly keeps on giving.

For more information, visit meredithlibrary.org.