We are grateful for any support you can provide, particularly at this time when federal funding for libraries is under threat. For more information about the status of federal funding, please see https://thetfordlibrary.org/funding/.
General Information
Public library services are made possible through the work of three cooperating organizations: the Thetford Library Federation, Latham Memorial Library, and George Peabody Library. Each year, we present a unified budget request to provide a clearer picture of the resources needed to sustain public library services for the Town of Thetford. The Town appropriation we are requesting for 2026 represents 66% of our total operational budgets, while our organizations supply the remaining operational funds and all capital investments for our two buildings.
We are grateful to generous community donors who provide the remaining funds that are essential for operating our Thetford public libraries.
Latham Memorial Library
Latham Memorial Library is open Monday through Saturday. Through a cooperative agreement, the Latham Board of Trustees serves as the employer for the public librarians who provide services, collection management and programs at both Latham and Peabody. The Latham Trustees are also responsible for upgrades and improvements to the Latham spaces within the Bicentennial Building, such as the renovation of the Community Room in 2022.
Your donations directly support the purchase of books, audiobooks, DVDs, downloadable ebooks and audiobooks, streaming movies, family programs, author events, game nights, educational presentations, and more. For more information, please see the Gift Acceptance Policy, available on the Latham Bylaws and Policies page.
We accept donations throughout the year via cash or check (made payable to Latham Library) at the library or via mail (PO Box 240, Thetford VT 05074).
Please let the librarians know if you wish to be contacted about options for supporting Latham over time with a special gift to the endowment through a direct gift or a legacy gift in your estate plans.
Latham Memorial Library is recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under section 501(c)3, tax ID 03-6008134.
George Peabody Library
The George Peabody Library in Post Mills is currently open on Wednesdays during the school year, and two days per week in the summertime. In addition, the Peabody hosts many special events throughout the year, including the beloved Penny Carnival. The Peabody Board of Trustees owns and maintains the historic building, which is Vermont’s oldest library building in continuous use. A portion of the original historic collection is available for in-library browsing, while a small but excellent collection of more recent books, audiobooks and DVDs is available to borrow.
Donations to Peabody support the collections, programs and maintenance of this gem of a building. Like other structures of its age, our beautiful 160-year-old building sometimes requires serious attention. In 2024, we were able to use grants to help offset the cost of two necessary projects: painting the exterior of the library, and completing an engineering study to help us identify and plan much-needed repairs to ensure the structural integrity of the building. In the year ahead, we will be focused on grants and fundraising to complete two very important projects: finishing the installation of a new roof and repairing the building’s foundation. Your gift will help ensure that this historic space remains well-maintained and that its programs and resources may continue to serve generations to come.
We accept donations throughout the year via cash or check (payable to George Peabody Library) at the library or mailed to P.O. Box 190, Post Mills, VT 05058.
George Peabody Library is recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under section 501(c)3, tax ID 03-6025460.
Thetford Library Federation
The Federation owns and maintains the Bicentennial Building, the shared facility on Thetford Hill that houses both Latham Library and the Thetford Historical Society. A small portion of Town funding helps the Federation ensure a safe and fully functional home for the library and historical society through building upkeep, utilities, insurance, and critical maintenance.
The Federation is also responsible for presenting our unified budget request to the Town each year, and dispersing funds to Latham and Peabody.
Donations to the Federation support the costs of maintaining and operating the Bicentennial Building, and resource sharing between school and public libraries. Donations can be made any time via cash or check payable to Thetford Library Federation, P.O. Box 155, Thetford, VT 05074.
Thetford Library Federation is recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under section 501(c)3, tax ID 23-7187922.