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The Friends of the Groton Public Library was established in 1967 by Mrs. John A. Bruner and Mrs. Henry R. Brown. They hosted their first book sale in the spring of 1973 as well as a tea for the teachers of the Groton public schools in the fall. The Friends remains an important part of the running of the library today, funding museum passes, organizing an annual book sale, and volunteering its valuable time for numerous projects. The West Groton Branch closed on May 31, 1974 after fifty-nine years of service. Rockwood House, where the branch had been located for forty-one years, was sold. In recognition of the Bicentennial year of 1976, the Library compiled a retrospective booklet covering its previous 122 years, similar to the one written in 1905 for its 50th anniversary. The Library also participated in the Labor Day Bicentennial celebration at the Groton Fair with an exhibit created by The Friends. A special exhibit in the Library was a diorama representing Groton in the 1700s, created, designed, and built by fifth and sixth grade students at the Prescott School. The Library began honoring library cards from non-resident borrowers throughout the state in September 1979. In 2004, non-resident borrowing accounts for over 15% of the Library's total circulation. Several other passes are funded by the Groton Garden Club, and the John H. Robbins Fund. In 1981, the Friends of the Groton Public Library made its first donation of museum passes, to the New England Aquarium. The Friends funded passes to 15 museums and other area attractions in 2004. The Children's Room staff heeded the requests of parents and created a story hour for 3 year-olds in 1988 and one for 2 ½ year-olds in 1990. In 2004, the Children's Room offers Mother Goose Story Time for babies up to two years old, a Story Time for 3, 4, and 5 year-olds, Tales and Tunes for Tots for infants and preschoolers, and Pajama Story Time for children ages 3 - 8. The Library celebrated the 100th anniversary of the building in 1993, complete with a community celebration and summary history of the previous 139 years. Members of the celebration committee included Trustees, members of the Library staff, and residents of the community. By that year, discussions were already underway to determine the possibility of substantially expanding the Library to serve a growing community's increased demand for services. A Space Needs Committee was formed in 1994, which began drafting a library building program, researching the possibility of expansion, and starting a grant application for a state library construction grant. The 1990s were marked by large increases in circulation, giving further urgency to the need for expansion. On September 19, 1996, the Groton Public Library was notified that it was successful in its application for a $1.2 million state construction grant to fund 40% of the cost of an addition. The Town voted overwhelmingly to support the project - 426 to 9 at Town Meeting, and 3 to 1 for the override vote. May 19, 1997 was moving day for the Library, 104 years and one day after its original dedication. The former Davis Library at the old Fort Devens housed a majority of the collection, with a satellite location at Legion Hall as a local community access point. Despite being split between two locations, library usage remained high. The newly renovated and expanded Groton Public Library opened on March 6, 1999. A Library Web site and an art gallery debuted in October of that year. The additions and renovations would result in a new 17,140 square foot library building, which previously had only 4,000 square feet available for public use. The addition seamlessly complemented the existing design, and façade and much of the woodwork of the original century-old building was retained. Since then, the Library has continued to grow, with annual circulation climbing to over 200,000. Financial support from the Endowment, the Friends, and various lecture funds have created new opportunities such as book readings and author visits, the formation of several community book groups, new story hours for children and other family programs, and the creation of a Young Adult Summer Reading Program (with a remarkable 284 participants in 2004.) The Children's Summer Reading Program had a record-breaking 882 participants in 2004, a tribute to community recognition of the Library's contribution to our lives and the importance of reading for children of all ages. The Library has established collections of videos, DVDs, music CDs, CD-ROMs, and audio books on cassette and CD. Technology plays an important part in Library services. The Web site provides online access to the Library catalog, as well as periodical databases, an upcoming events calendar, a museum pass reservation system, and many other resources. Reference questions are answered not only in person or on the telephone, but also via email and instant messaging. The Library has 8 public Internet computers, and has offered numerous computer classes to the public. A wireless network will soon expand Internet access to even more Library users. The Groton Public Library has been an important part of the community for 150 years. We are fortunate to have a Library committed to remaining on the cutting edge of advancing technology and the acquisition of new and interesting materials, as well as to live in a community that recognizes a good public library is a priceless asset to all. The Groton Public Library continues to uphold the motto inscribed over its doors - "Open to All" - and will remain a center for community activity in the years and decades to come.