New Open Hours! The library is open on Tuesdays from 1-8 p.m. instead of Mondays. Why the change? In order to give the solo librarian 2 days off in a row.
New Passes!
In addition to passes for the Billings Farm and Museum and the VINS (Vermont Institute of Natural Science), generous support from the Friends of the Library will provide 2 new passes to the Mount Washington Observatory and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.
Mount Washington Observatory Pass
Friends of the Orford Library purchased a Mount Washington Observatory pass which provides a Weather Station tour, one person rides free in a car up the mountain, and buy-one-get-one for Cog Railway M-F in the month of June. Contact the library to reserve your pass today!
Museum of Fine Arts – Boston – Pass
The library has a pass with a discount code for admission to the MFA in Boston. Each promo code provides up to two adults with $15 admission per person and four youths (ages 7–17) with $10 admission per person. Kids under 7 are always free. Regular admission is $30 per adult and $14 per child. Contact the library to learn more.
Ice Cream Social – Thursday August 6 from 5-7 p.m. Join us for ice cream sundaes with homemade hot fudge and toppings!
Orford Libraries Summer Program
The 2026 Orford Libraries Summer Program, Unearth a Story, explores the past, uncovers hidden history and encourages sharing stories. The programs took place on weekends and at a variety of outdoor and indoor sites. More information will be available at the libraries, on flyers and posters and on social media. We welcome participants of all ages.
And now, the last program: August 15 at 10:00 Walk to the Cement Silos in Quinttown
Orford Libraries Summer Reading Incentive Raffle
As part of the Summer Program, we encourage children of all ages to visit the Orford Libraries. There will be prizes to choose from on each visit. Children will get raffle tickets for visiting the library and reading books. Those who are inspired to create a piece of art or write about a book or summer experience may submit these and get additional raffle tickets for bookstore gift cards at the end of the Summer Program.
Regular Programming:
Mah Jongg – every Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. Beginners are always welcome!
German Conversation – Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m.
Knitting/Crafters – 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 2- 3:30 p.m.
Bridge – Every Thursday from 3-5 p.m. Rusty players welcome!
French Conversation – Thursdays 4-5 p.m.
Evening Crokinole – Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. Join us for some fun for all ages.
Tech Help – Second Saturday of the month at 9:30 am. Bring your gadget or question.
Book Discussions:
Pick up a book at the library and join us for an informal monthly discussion.
August – The History of Sound, Ben Shattuck, Tuesday, August 25, 7 p.m.
We Need Your Support
The town of Orford provides annual support of almost 50% of our operating expenses. Friends of the Library provides funding for enhancements (not operating expenses) to both libraries. The rest of our operating costs depend on annual donations to enhance the small savings account from which we draw. As costs of everything rise over the years, we fear the original investment is dwindling and at some point will be unable to sustain or grow to our needs. Grants for improvements (solar panels, new walkway, new accessible ramp, heat pumps!) to the library are helpful, but there aren’t grants for operating expenses. Your contributions, big and small, make all the difference!
You can have your stock portfolio make an effective gift by designating the Orford Social Library as a recipient of a Donor-Advised Fund. Another way to support the library is to include us in your will or estate plans. Please help us continue our good work by contributing what you can.
We also appreciate donations of new (within the past year) fiction and non-fiction books to add to our collection and to help keep our costs down.
The library is looking for a bookkeeper. Contact orfordsoclib@gmail.com if you are interested
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