From the Friends of the
Bath Community Library

There are many new exciting developments happening at the eight libraries in the  Beaufort-Hyde-Martin (BHM) Regional Library system. Check out our new website at www.bhmlib.org. One new feature is 24/7 instant messaging with a librarian except from midnight Saturday until 8 a.m. on Sunday. Many resources are available for job seekers, students, and lifelong learners. Check out all of the NC Live databases which provide resources equivalent to a college library.
The library system has a new logo which will be used on the website, brochures and library cards.
BHM Regional Library system has been very blessed this calendar year. Several local corporations and Foundations have provided grants or donations for much needed funds. The awards included grants from Weyerhaeuser, Libri Foundation, NC Humanities Council, Walmart, and Golden Leaf Foundation.
Weyerhaeuser gave money to create job resource centers at the eight branches. Libri Foundation gave the Hazel W. Guilford Memorial Library in Aurora money for some replacement library books to replace those damaged by Hurricane Irene. The NC Humanities Council gave us funding for adult programming in two branches, one in Aurora and one in Williamston. Golden Leaf Foundation awarded a grant to the Hazel W. Guilford Memorial Library funds to create a technology center. PotashCorp gave BHM funds to buy much needed safety items for the eight libraries and Walmart gave Martin Memorial Library $1,000 for children’s programming.
North Carolina Digital Heritage Center made their decision on the nominated newspapers for this year’s digitization grants. The Williamston Enterprise newspaper was chosen to be digitized for the years 1901- 1932.
Martin Memorial Library was one of 200 libraries nationwide to receive a LEGOS program kit in their nationwide contest. BHM Regional Library system recently received notice that Martin Memorial Library will receive a $5,000 Dollar General American Dream Starts @ your library award. This award will be used to purchase literacy materials.
The Bath Community Library is planning a move to a new larger renovated space made possible by a $250,000 Golden Leaf Foundation grant awarded to the Bath High School Preservation Group. The Bath High School Preservation group restoring the old high school applied for the Golden Leaf grant and has found additional funding for a total of about $400,000 to complete the renovation of the south wing of the 1920 structure.
The Friends of the Bath Community Library are seeking funding for the furnishings. To make an end of the year tax-deductible contribution for furnishings, please send a check to the Friends of the Bath Community Library, P.O. Box 188 Bath, N.C. 27808. You may also donate money to your local branch library for the purchase of books. For more information, please call 252-946-6401.