Jaffrey Public Library and the Ingalls Memorial Library of Rindge announce the first free library consortium for the area, the Monadnock Regional Library Consortium, starting July 15.

The libraries will share their physical collections and allow patrons to borrow and return books at either library with their home library cards. It will also allow for borrowing and delivering to patrons’ home libraries, with direct online access to both catalogs and the ability to reserve items at either library. No new card is needed, and each library board retains sole authority over its own library’s policies.

“It’s a way for us to better serve our public with no additional cost to taxpayers of either town,” stated Ingalls Memorial Library Director Donna Straitiff. 

“It is the best of both worlds, and for our patrons, it is like doubling our physical collection,” stated Jaffrey Public Library Director Julie Perrin. “We share a school district, so it makes sense to start with our two libraries, but to be honest, librarians and trustees in the region have been talking about this for a long time. We all want to expand our services to our communities without increasing costs or impacting taxes. Sharing our resources is a logical next step to improving the rural library landscape, and we are hopeful that other libraries that use Biblionix Apollo will join us.”

Library patrons are encouraged to contact the library directors at their home libraries for information. Perrin is at Jaffrey Public Library at 603-532-7301, and Donna Straitiff at Ingalls Memorial Library at 603-899-3303.