A selection of books available at the Sherburne Public Library. (Photo from the Sherburne Public Library Facebook page)

SHERBURNE — Sherburne Public Library is currently working on a five-year, community-based strategic plan which includes figuring out how to best support and serve the needs of the community. The library board of trustees formed a committee to work on the plan. Their first step was creating a short survey asking various questions on current perceptions of the library, reasons patrons may or may not use the library and what they would like to see in the future.

In the fall the survey was sent out to residents of Sherburne. In addition, paper copies of the survey were made available at the library and an online version of the survey was created and posted on the library social media sites. Committee members also interviewed local business and community organizations leaders to gain their perspective on what they perceive as the greatest assets and the greatest needs in our community.

Interesting statistics that came from the community survey: About half of our patrons get their information from social media, while the other half get it from the newspaper or flyers. The most popular service we offer is book borrowing (no surprise there), but second is our book sale, then DVD borrowing and coming in fourth is computer access. When presented with potential programming choices, the top favorites were arts/craft programs, live music performances, and performing arts performances with health/wellness and culture/history coming in close behind. Gardening and gaming were also popular choices.

Many people expressed a desire for learning technology classes/workshops as well as other adult learning workshops or events. All of these factors were taken into account as the committee has been working on our community-based strategic plan. The committee has identified the major areas of focus for the library to work on and currently the plan is being written up formally with action plans being identified and put into place for adoption by the Library Board of Trustees.

Look for some new offerings by the library over the next year to fulfill our strategic plan of reaching out and serving our community.

Library Events (recurring):


Science Explorers: 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month for ages eight years and older. Explore, experiment, build and learn about nature and the natural world around us.


E-Reader Drop-In Help Sessions: 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays. Bring your mobile device for help with Megan.


Story Time: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Join Mr. Mike for a story, songs, activities and crafts!


Story Time Video Released: Friday mornings. Don’t forget to check out our YouTube page for more SPL Story Time Videos.

Please note: On recommendation of the county board of health (and the CDC), we are continuing to require masks in the library. We urge you to continue to stay safe, wear your mask, and stay home if you’re feeling sick.

With winter here, we realize that our front stairs are more of a challenge to many of our patrons. We ask that you please do not hesitate to ask for assistance. We will be happy to bring items out to you, help you up and/or down the stairs, or even bring library items to your house if necessary. Just give us a call at 607-674-4242 or send us a message and we are happy to help.


The Book Drop is at the bottom of the stairs for your convenience. Our open hours remain Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Stay warm and safe and come see us at the library when you’re able!


- Colleen Law-Tefft, Library Manager