Exeter Public Library

Newsletter

May 11 - 16, 2026

Exeter Public Library Newsletter

May 11 - 16, 2026

Vendors and patrons at the Spring Craft Fair in the Main Seating area of the library.
Vendors in the Godino Mystery Wing of the library,
Vendors in the Meeting Room.
The Friends of EPL raffle table at the Spring Craft Fair.

Thank you to all the vendors and patrons who joined us for the Spring Craft Fair on Saturday, May 2!

Support the Stacks! Please consider donating to Exeter Public Library. Donate at exeterpl.org/annual-appeal or make checks payable to the Trustees of Exeter Public Library. Thank you!
Donate

Exeter Public Library Long Range Plan Surveys

These surveys for adults and teens are anonymous and will be used for the 2026-2031 Exeter Public Library Long-Range Plan. Your voice really matters in planning what the library will look like in the next five years! All opinions are appreciated, even if you have never visited the library.

Click the button below to view the survey page on the library's website. Questions? Please call the library at 603-772-3101 or email exeterpl.ref@gmail.com.

Long Range Plan Surveys
Exeter Public Library Trustee Committee Meeting: Policy Committee on Thursday, May 14 at 3 PM in the Conference Room on the Mezzanine floor.
Exeter Public Library will be closed on Monday, May 25.

THIS WEEK'S EVENTS

Blue = Adults

Green = Teens

Red = Children's

Purple = Friends of EPL

Monday, May 11

ALL WEEK Space Scavenger Hunt

ALL DAY Teen Gaming

10 AM Reading Classics Book Group

1 PM Taiwanese Mah Jongg

3:30 PM Teen Writing Group

3:30 PM Music Makers (Ages 6-8)

5 PM Taiwanese Mah Jongg

5:30 PM Pinochle Group

6 PM Knitting Group

Tuesday, May 12

10 AM All Ages Story Time

1 PM Movie Showing

2 PM 2 over 1 Bridge Lesson

3 PM Teens Play the Game of Life

3:30 PM Art Club (Ages 6-8)

Wednesday, May 13

ALL DAY Teen Gaming

10 AM Ages 3+ Story Time

12:30 PM Spanish Table

1 PM American Mah Jongg

3:30 PM Weaving Workshop (Ages 5-12)

6:30 PM Evening Book Group

Thursday, May 14

10 AM All Ages Story Time

10 AM American Standard Bridge

3 PM Trustees Policy Committee Meeting

3:30 PM Teen Anime Club

4 PM D&D: Red Herrings (Ages 8-12)

4:30 PM Japanese Table

5:30 PM French Table

Friday, May 15

9 AM - 4 PM Children's Open Art

2 PM Book Talks: Riverwoods

3 PM Refreshing Fridays

Saturday, May 16

10 AM Italian Table

Library Hours Monday 9 AM to 8 PM Tuesday 9 AM to 8 PM Wednesday 9 AM to 8 PM Thursday 9 AM to 8 PM, Friday 9 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday 9 AM to 1 PM
Friends of Exeter Public Library

Join the Friends

Interested in making new connections? Looking for volunteer opportunities? Consider joining the Friends of Exeter Public Library.

To join, contact friendsofexeterpubliclibrary@gmail.com or through their Facebook page @FriendsofExeterPublicLibrary.

Painting of people fishing from the rocks on the beach by May artist Don Jalbert.

May Artist

Don Jalbert

Friends of Exeter Public Library Pizza Fundraiser at Otto Exeter all day on Monday, May 18. Applies to sales from in house dining & takeout.

Just by eating a delicious meal you will be supporting a great cause: 10% of sales will go to the Friends of Exeter Public Library.

The library accepts donations for St. Vincent de Paul of Exeter and Lions Club International

Consider donating non-perishable food items to support St. Vincent de Paul of Exeter or usable eyeglasses to help Lions Club International.

Exeter Rotary Club is also accepting donations for old hearing aids. Donations will be used to help others at the Rotary Hearing Clinic in the Dominican Republic.

Donate your soda tabs to help the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth.

Items can be placed in the boxes on the table next to the Adult Information Desk.

Playaway audiobooks available at Exeter Public Library

Check out the library's newest collection: Playaways! These devices make listening to audiobooks even easier. All you need is the preloaded device and a pair of headphones to listen to your book. The collection includes Adult fiction and nonfiction, plus a few Children's titles. Borrow one from the New Shelf today!

Town wide mandatory level 4 Water Restriction- These Activities are Restricted: No watering of residential landscape areas (lawns or landscapes) No washing of vehicles No washing down paved surfaces No filling of swimming pools (> 100 gallons)

Exeter water restrictions remain in effect.

Learn More at Exeternh.gov
Reading Classics Book Group meets on Monday, May 11. Read a section of Danish philosopher and theologian Søren Kierkegaard’s “Concluding Unscientific Postscript.”

Peter Vorkink, Chair of the Religion Department, Emeritus, at Phillips Exeter Academy, will lead a discussion on Danish philosopher and theologian Søren Kierkegaard’s “Concluding Unscientific Postscript” on Monday, May 11. New members welcome!

The Wandering Cook meets on Tuesday, May 19 at 5:30 PM.

A no food cooking class. Come talk and learn about food from different cultures, techniques, and share recipes.

Author Talk with Michael Skinner on Wednesday, May 20 at 6 PM.

Michael Skinner will share from his newly released memoir and reflect on lessons learned in healing from trauma, abuse, and mental health challenges, alongside vital statistics and personal insight.

The presentation will include a short reading, music woven throughout, and time for conversation and questions.

This event is designed to be trauma-informed, choice-centered, community-focused, and best suited for adults.

Blood Drive at Exeter Public Library on Friday, May 22 from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Blood Drive at the Library

Friday, May 22, 10 AM to 3 PM

Schedule your appointment by clicking the button below and enter EXETERLIBRARY or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

If you are an eligible type O, B- or A- donor, consider a Power Red donation – red blood cells are the most needed blood component.

Save time on the day of your appointment by completing RapidPass at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass.

Blood Drive Appointment Page
Walking Scotland: The John Muir Way on Saturday, May 23 at 10 AM.

Join Gale Carey as she talks about her journey across the John Muir Way, a 134-mile walk that traverses volcanic fields, windswept beaches, and foxglove-laden forests. It beckons curious walkers to explore the Antonine Wall, the Falkirk Wheel, and The Kelpies.

A Livestream of TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures will be held at the library on Saturday, June 13.

We’re proud to host a livestream of TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures on
Saturday, June 13, 2026.

This daylong symposium features 15+ brand-new TED Talks focused on the evolution and
future of democracy, streaming live from Philadelphia during America’s 250th anniversary.

Join us for big ideas, thoughtful conversation, and a shared civic moment.

Exeter Parks & Rec Senior Soiree on Friday, May 15 at 6 PM at the Rockingham Ballroom, 22 Ash Swamp Roads, Newmarket, NH 03857.

The party event of the year for Seniors (or us over 50, to be precise)! Get fancy, come as you are – but make sure you come to the Senior Soiree at the Rockingham Ballroom, presented by Exeter Parks & Recreation.

To register, visit the Exeter Multigenerational Community Center during business hours, call 603-773-6151, or click the button below.

Senior Soiree Registration
Lamont Younger Poets Reading with Dzvinia Orlowsky at Phillips Exeter Academy Library's Rockefeller Hall on Tuesday, May 19 at 7 PM.

Each spring, the Lamont Younger Poet prize winners are invited to read their poems at a Phillips Exeter Academy Library event. On Tuesday, May 19 at 7 PM, they will be joined by visiting poet Dzvinia Orlowsky in Rockefeller Hall. A reception will follow the event. 

Exeter Senior Council presents a Resource Fair on Wednesday, May 20 from 11 AM - 2 PM, hosted by Exeter Parks & Rec at 10 Hampton Road, Exeter, NH.

Join the Exeter Senior Council for a Resource Fair on Wednesday, May 20 from 11 AM - 2 PM, hosted by Exeter Parks & Recreation at 10 Hampton Road in Exeter. Visit with local service providers, explore resources in Exeter, and more!

A reading by 2025-2026 George Bennett Fellow Tega Oghenechovwen will be held at Phillips Exeter Academy Library's Rockefeller Hall on Tuesday, May 26 at 7 PM. This event is open to the public.

A reading by 2025-2026 George Bennett Fellow Tega Oghenechovwen will be held at Phillips Exeter Academy Library's Rockefeller Hall on Tuesday, May 26 at 7 PM. This event is open to the public.

Support the Stacks! Please consider donating to Exeter Public Library. Donate at exeterpl.org/annual-appeal or make checks payable to the Trustees of Exeter Public Library. Thank you!
Donate

U.S. Independence 250th Celebration

First in the Nation: New Hampshire's 1776 Constitution to the Present NH Humanities Zoom Program on Friday, May 29 at 5 PM. Registration is required.

Friday, May 29

at 5 PM

Zoom Event

Join New Hampshire Humanities to watch a rebroadcast of a panel discussion about New Hampshire's constitution in the past and present, with Lorianne Updike Schulzke and Robert F. Williams, moderated by the Honorable N. William Delker. All three panelists will join after the rebroadcast to answer questions.

Registration is required. Please click the button below to register.

First in the Nation Registration
Abigail Adams - Liberty & Legacy on Saturday, June 20 at 11 AM at the Exeter Town Hall.

Exeter Town Hall

9 Front Street, Exeter, NH

Exeter Area General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Exeter Public Library, and Sheryl Faye present Abigail Adams – Liberty & Legacy.

Abigail Adams was a fearless political thinker, advocate for women’s rights, and moral compass during the American Revolution and the birth of a nation. This performance will bring to life a beloved historical figure and educate all who attend.

June Humanities @ Home: US @ 250: Big Watch - A film screening and discussion with Courtney Marshall, Ph.D.

Couldn't make it to US @ 250: The Big Watch at the library? A complimentary online event will take place on Friday, June 26 at 5 PM. Please click the button below for more information.

US @ 250 Online Event
Exeter Brass Band Concerts: Monday nights in July at 7:30 PM at the Bandstand in Downtown Exeter.

Join the Exeter 250 Celebration Commission at the June 29th Exeter Brass Band Concert for free popsicles and patriotic giveaways.

Exeter Brass Band concerts: Monday nights in July at the Bandstand, Downtown Exeter. See this Exeter institution each summer on Monday evenings at the Bandstand, intersection of Front and Water Streets. An Exeter tradition since 1847. 

Patriotic Movie Sing Along on Wednesday, July 8 at 5 PM.

Join the library for a patriotic sing along. The movie will be played in four parts of the library at the same time.

Questions? Contact the library for more information by calling 603-772-3101 or emailing exeterpl.ref@gmail.com.

Teen Activities

Join us for All Day Gaming on Mondays and Wednesdays, Teen Writing Group on Mondays at 3:30 PM, a new event every Tuesday at 3 PM, Anime Club on Thursdays at 3:30 PM, and Refreshing Fridays every Friday at 3 PM.

All Day Gaming (Video Games and Board Games) on Mondays and Wednesdays in the Teen Scene.
Teen Writing Group meets on Mondays at 3:30 PM. Share what you're working on and get feedback from peers! Hear from guest speakers who are involved in the industry once a month!
Teen Tuesday: Game of Life on May 12 from 3 - 4 PM.
Teen Anime Club on Thursdays from 3:30 - 4:30 PM.
Refreshing Fridays from 3 - 4 PM in the Teen Scene.

Teen Book Groups

Teens can join Book Group by picking up a book to borrow from the Adult Information Desk. The next group will meet on Saturday, May 9.

Never Caught: The Story of Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Kathleen Van Cleve

6th Grade at 9 AM

Never Caught: The Story of Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Kathleen Van Cleve

Woods Runner by Gary Paulsen

7th Grade at 10 AM

Woods Runner by Gary Paulsen

The Fifth of March by Ann Rinaldi

8th Grade at 11 AM

The Fifth of March: A Story of the Boston Massacre by Ann Rinaldi

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

High School at 12 PM

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

Children's Room

Stop by or call the Children's Room at 603-772-6036 to register for our clubs, including Art Club, Dungeons and Dragons, Gamers Guild, Music Makers, Nifty Knitting, and our book clubs!

Music Makers (Ages 6-8) meet on Monday, May 11 at 3:30 PM.

Monday, May 11

Music Makers: Ages 6-8 meet on the 2nd Monday of the month from 3:30 - 4:30 PM.

This program offers an introduction to music through drumming and percussion; this will range from playing along with music to so much more!

Tuesday, May 12

Art Club: Ages 6-8 meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 3:30 - 4:30 PM.

Art Club will focus on exploring different art mediums and learning how to have fun while creating art!

Art Club (Ages 6-8) meet on Tuesday, May 12 at 3:30 PM.
Weaving Workshop (Ages 5-12) meets on Wednesday, May 13 from 3:30 - 4:30 PM.

Wednesday, May 13

Weaving Workshop: Falls on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 3:30 - 4:30 PM.

Children ages 5-12 are welcome to join Weaving Workshop! They will start by learning the basics of weaving by using construction paper looms! 

Thursday, May 14

Dungeons & Dragons: Red Herrings (Ages 8-12) meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 4 - 6 PM.

Children can sign-up for D&D to work together as a team to complete quests, slay monsters, and achieve personal and group goals within the game.

D&D: Red Herrings (Ages 8-12) meet on Thursday, May 14 at 4 PM.

Children's Book Groups

Stop by the library to borrow your book group read! The groups will meet at 3:30 PM.

Graphic Novel Book Club (Ages 9-11)

Wednesday, May 20

Buzzing by Samuel Sattin

Buzzing by Samuel Sattin

Adult Book Groups

Movie Scene

Tuesdays at 1 PM

Tuesday movies start at 1 PM. Enjoy a movie on the big screen! Click below to see what's playing next.

Learn More
Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegelman

Nonfiction Book Group

June 3 at 6:30

The group is reading Maus I: A Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Evening Book Group

May 13 at 6:30

The group is reading The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.

Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne

Morning Book Group

May 20 at 10

The group is reading Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne.

Games at the Library

Gaming- Mondays Taiwanese Mah Jong at 1 and 5 PM and Pinochle at 5:30 PM. Tuesdays 2 over 1 Bridge at 2 PM. Wednesdays American Mah Jongg at 1 PM. Thursdays American Standard Bridge at 10 AM. Second Saturday of the month is Cribbage at 10 AM

Want to learn how to play a game? Want to make new connections in town? Join any of the many gaming groups at the library! 

Groups are open to all experience levels – beginners to experts. There is someone willing to teach at each group. 

Language at the Library

Language Tables: Korean first and third Tuesday, Spanish Wednesdays at 12:30, Japanese Every 2nd and 4th Thursday at 4:30 PM, French Thursdays at 5:30 PM and Italian Saturdays at 10 AM.

Interested in teaching a language? We are always looking for teachers or native speakers willing to start a language table. If you're interested, email exeterplprograms@gmail.com.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Exeter

53 Lincoln Street

Providing food and emergency assistance to residents of Exeter, Stratham, Newfields, Brentwood, Kensington, and East Kingston.

Lamprey Health Care Mobile Health visits to St. Vincent de Paul Community Assistance Center on Fridays from 9 AM - 12 PM. No appointment needed!

Lamprey Health Care has partnered with St. Vincent de Paul of Exeter to make weekly visits to the Community Assistance Center at 53 Lincoln Street on Fridays from 9 AM - 12 PM. Walk-in registration – no appointment needed!

Click the button below for more information about Lamprey's Mobile Health Services and to view the van schedule.

Mobile Health Services Schedule
St. Vincent de Paul Exeter Website

Keep in Touch with Your Community!

2025 Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce Community Guide

EACC Community Guide

Email Alerts from Town of Exeter, NH

For more information and to sign up, click the button below.

Email Alerts Sign Up

Stay Connected with SAU16

Receive newsletters and more by signing up with the button below!

Sign-up for ParentSquare
May 2026 Programs Calendar

* All programs at the library are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. *

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CONTACT US

4 Chestnut Street | Exeter, NH 03833
www.exeterpl.org
Main Phone: 603-772-3101
Children's Room: 603-772-6036

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