History

History of the Mount Holly Town Library

 The library was established August 6, 1914 and has been in continuous operation since then. The original collection consisted of 277 volumes donated by C. W. Parmenter. The Library is housed in a building that was completed January 3, 1884 as a Methodist Church. In 1923 the building was deeded to the Town of Mount Holly to be used as a town hall and library. In 1988 the build was no longer used as a town hall but the library remained. 1989 the Mount Holly Community Association (MHCA) was established with the purpose of supporting, promoting and preserving community-based activities. The MHCA is a library partner and through their membership dues they provide heat, electricity and maintenance for the building. The Library was renovated in 2008 with all new book cases and wall stenciling similar to the original church. In 2010 the lower level was renovated to include a bathroom and meeting space for public usage. In 2014 the library collection was fully automated.

A Good Deal Has Happened In Our 101 Year History
A Brief History of the Library

1914 –  C. W. Parmenter donates 277 volumes to establish the Mount Holly Town  Library to be administered by the Belmont Improvement Society.
1922 – The 34 year old church building was deeded to the town with the understanding that it would house a library and be open as a community meeting place.
1929 – Librarians Ara Armstrong (Barton) and her Mother Miriam Armstrong established a policy of circulating books to the 8 little school houses dotted around the town of Mount Holly. Circulation was so successful that the North Village District and the Healdville District were formed with library assistants helping to keep track of the books. The circulation of books skyrocketed during this period and established a pattern of town-wide usage and borrowing that continues today.
1978 – The library was reinvigorated by a dedicated group of volunteers determined to keep more consistent hours and encourage library usage.
1997 – The present Library Board structure was formed to ensure the continued operation of the library with oversight and standards that would clarify the purpose and mission of the library.
2001 – The library was the recipient of a two-year Freeman Foundation Grant. The purpose of the grant was to increase open hours by hiring a part-time librarian with relevant experience who would assist volunteers, organize the collection, increase inter-library loans and develop additional programs and activities.
2008 – In May, the Mount Holly Community Association completed a $120,000 renovation of the library space with money raised exclusively from private and local donations.
2008 – A community Folk Club was established where residents gather every Monday to sing and play instruments. This group continues to meet and volunteer their talents entertaining at community events.
2008 – The library received the Winnie Bell Learned Grant and received money to purchase picture books, manipulative toys, floor pillows, a storage unit, rug and Mother Goose Science Kits.
2008 – Increased open hours to 14 per week year-round, added additional computers and applied for and received a non-profit   incorporation with the State of Vermont.
2009 – A birth to age 5 Play Group was established on our site by the Rutland County Parent/Child Center and continues to meet every Tuesday at 10 am.
2010 – With additional services and open hours the library met Vermont Library State Standards for the first time and has complied each year since. Meeting State Standards is a useful tool for self-evaluation and ensures continued excellence of service to the public.
2010 – To increase further usage of the building and increase library traffic the MHCA conducted a capital campaign that raised $140,000 used to renovate the lower level including a large community space, kitchen, bathroom and storage.
2011 – Free internet/computer classes are offered by VTEL and in subsequent years by a CCV Internet Intern program.
2012 – Universal Class and One Click Digital downloadable services are offered.
2013 – The process of automating the collection is begun and by January 2014 the library is fully automated.
2014 – Established our own website(https://mounthollytownlibrary.wordpress.com) and due to automation you can search for books, videos and audio books that are contained in the collection from the comfort of your home.
2015 – Applied for and received a 501(c)(3) designation from the federal government. The Mount Holly Town Library has continuously operated for 101 years and the collection has grown to over 9,000 lendable materials.