Jaffrey trustees accept donations, approve $2,610 UNH grant for gardening and nature kits

The Jaffrey Public Library Trustees voted June 16 to accept a set of private donations and a $2,610 grant from the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension to create Gardening, Birding and Field Guide Kits equipped with binoculars, guides and gardening tools.

Trustee Judith Goff moved to accept and expend the donations and grant funds according to donor intent; Emily Carr seconded the motion, which carried 5-0. The donations recorded in the minutes included $2,000 from Jim and Anne Banghart (unrestricted); $300 from Trustee Deb Weissman and $80 from Bannister, both to support Farm Share; $50 from Kathy and Bill Weibel in memory of Bill Johnston (unrestricted); and $250 from the Friends of the Library for museum passes.

Treasurer Carol Greenwald told trustees that financial reports are current and noted a new Bar Harbor report; she also said the trustees need to purchase items for the gardening grant. The minutes do not include a vendor list or procurement schedule; trustees recorded that they will expend funds "according to donor intent." The treasurer's report was accepted separately on a 5-0 vote.

Why it matters: the UNH Cooperative Extension grant will fund hands-on kits intended to support gardening and birding activities and likely provide materials for library programs and outreach. The minutes do not specify a timeline for purchases or distribution, nor do they list specific suppliers or the incoming director’s role in implementing the kits.

Next steps: trustees approved accepting and expending the funds and indicated staff will proceed with purchasing items for the program.