Townshend Public Library

The Townshend Public Library serves as a welcoming community hub providing access to books, digital resources, technology, public Wi-Fi, educational programs, and lifelong learning opportunities for residents of all ages. The library promotes creativity, supports literacy, and offers a safe, inclusive space where community members can gather, learn, and connect.

Offering more than 14,000 items in multiple formats — including print, audio, digital, and multimedia — the Library remains an essential resource for information, enrichment, and community engagement in Townshend.

Assistant Librarians

Beth Etman
Pam Russo
Jen Towle

The library’s mission is to inspire curiosity, encourage lifelong learning, foster imagination, promote creativity, and ensure equitable access to information and resources in a variety of formats. The library strives to serve the diverse needs and interests of Townshend’s residents of all ages.

The Townshend Public Library has served the community for over a century across several locations.

• In 1899, the first book collection for townspeople was kept in the village schoolhouse. • The collection moved to the Leland & Gray Seminary in 1909, where it remained until 1915.
• Over subsequent decades, the library’s collection was housed in the village elementary school and the Town Hall.
• After Labor Day 1968, the Library — then holding 4,000 volumes — moved to its present home in a building donated by Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Lada-Mocarski.
• Today the Library circulates approximately 10,000 items and maintains a total collection of over 14,000 items, supported jointly by the Town and the Library Trustees.

The library gratefully accepts monetary donations to support programming and library services. Donations may be dropped off during open hours or mailed to:

                     Townshend Public Library
                     PO Box 252
                     Townshend, VT 05353

Due to limited space, we are not able to accept donations of books or DVDs with exception to new releases and newly published works. The Friends of the Library routinely hold a book sale in May. They will begin collecting items that are in good saleable condition in the spring. Contact the library for more information about donating items. Thank you for your support!