About

Taylor Library

History

Taylor History

Founded in 1878 upon bequests from Harriet and Emma Taylor, the sisters insisted the bequest be used for a public library. Originally housed on the second floor in Upper Village Hall, it was then moved into the current building in 1929, thanks to the generous donation from Frederick J. Shepard, Jr., uncle of Astronaut and Derry native, Alan B. Shepard Jr. The Shephard family volunteered their time to the continuing growth of the library.

Taylor Library Staff

Jen Thielker

Library Director

Beth Welch

Assistant Director

Maureen Gilbert

Library Manager

Deb Miller

Library Assistant

Fran Mears

Library Assistant

Katie Pisarri

Library Assistant

Taylor Library Trustees

The Taylor Library is governed by its trustees, an elected position.

  • Ray Fontaine, Chair
    March 2025
  • Lynne Townsend
    March 2025
  • Candi Westgard
    March 2026
  • Sam Hamlin
    March 2026
  • Angel Fontaine
    March 2024

Services

Taylor Library Services

Your library card is the key to borrowing books and materials, museum passes, participate in programs and activities, new skills and more.

Taylor Library Policies

The Library’s mission is to provide a welcoming, supportive, and kind environment full of resources that interest, inform, and enlighten all within the community. It offers expert service to support a love of learning, critical thinking, and literacy. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a library card?

If you live, work or go to school in Derry, you can have a card at the Taylor Library. Non-resident cards cost $ 45.00 which is good for one year.

Can I interlibrary loan books with my Taylor Library card?

Yes, you can borrow books from any library in the State of New Hampshire as long as these libraries are willing to loan. All we need is a title and author and you can pick up these books at Taylor Library once they arrive at the library. Depending where they are coming from in the state, will depend on how long a wait you will have. Some libraries will also loan audio books and movies.

Do you charge fines for overdue materials?

No. The library is now fine free for all library owned items. We still ask that you return your books on time so that others may enjoy them. If books are more than a month overdue, you will be asked to either locate the book or replace it at the list price before checking out additional materials. If a book is borrowed from another library through interlibrary loan, the fine rules of the lending library apply.

How do I reserve a best-selling book?

Ask the librarian to put you on the list and when your turn comes up, we will call you. If new books are not picked up within a week, we will move on to the next person in line.

How long does a card last?

A card is good for three years. After that it must be updated for another 3 years.

How can I borrow Museum passes?

Call the library to reserve our library passes. You can reserve these up to four weeks in advance.

Featured News

Fine Free at the Taylor Library

The Taylor Library, affectionately called The Little Library on the Hill is now fine free.

Donate

We Accept Donations!

The Taylor Library is a welcoming space for the community to connect, explore and grow. All donations to the Taylor Library are tax deductible. If you need a tax receipt for your donation, please contact us.

Thank you for your donation!