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Council receives Keene Memorial Library and Main Street annual reports
Summary
Library director reported strong post-expansion usage and programming growth; Main Street of Fremont highlighted downtown reinvestment aided by CDBG funds and reported $391,062 in reinvestment, five new businesses and 17 jobs. Council received both reports.
Laura England Biggs, director of Keene Memorial Library, presented the library's 2024—25 annual report, corrected a typographical error in the staff packet (programming rose from 9,920 in FY2024, not 2025), and highlighted 21,784 program attendees across 574 programs, more than 1,000 new borrowers and about 1,200 meeting-room uses after the library's post-expansion first full year.
Lainie Paquette, executive director of Main Street of Fremont, described downtown facade improvements funded largely through CDBG support, cited a total reinvestment figure of $391,062 (including grants, private match and $34.79/hour volunteer-hour valuation), said five new businesses opened creating 17 jobs, and outlined 15 community programs and events that boosted downtown activity.
Councilmembers praised both organizations for outreach and results. Motions to receive both the Keene Memorial Library and the Main Street annual reports were made, seconded and carried by the council.
