Goals:

In order to carry out our mission statement, our goals are:

1. To serve the community by providing and maintaining a current collection of books and materials that will meet the educational, informational, and recreational needs of all in the community.
2. To provide a welcoming space where people may gather, connect with one another, and freely exchange ideas.
3. To collaborate with other organizations to provide diverse programs and services to engage our community.
4. To keep the community informed of library materials, resources, and programs.

History

Monkton has long been interested in books. In earlier days, small libraries were housed in private homes. In 1905, Albert Russell opened a library in his home. In 1913, a library was opened in the Friend’s Parsonage. The library eventually moved to the town hall, where it remained for many years.

In 1970, the Russell family decided it was time for the library to have its own building. Harvey and Celia Russell donated the land in Monkton Ridge. Dr. George A. Russell donated funds for the building. Harvey and Lee Russell donated time and labor. The two men raised the building and finished the interior. Their fine carpentry added to the charm of the comfortably furnished reading area, paneled walls, and oak floor.

On July 18, 1972, Dr. Russell dedicated the new Russell Memorial Library, in memory of his father, Albert P. Russell. He also donated a small collection of Vermontania, housed in the library to this day.

This building served the community well for many years.  Deborah Chamberlin took over the town library in January 1986 and opened the library every Saturday for the community and continued to increase the hours.  Deb and the library trustees developed the idea for a Strawberry Festival/Book Sale fundraiser.  For years, the library hosted the event on the front lawn.  

In 1992, it was discovered that the main support beam had rotted. The library had to be closed for 6 months for repairs, funded by donations from townspeople.

As our town grew, it became clear that we had outgrown our beloved 600 square foot library.  We were fortunate to be included in the plans for a new town hall. In the summer of 2000, we moved into our comfortable, light-filled new space in the basement of the new town hall.   Deb Chamberlin ran the library for 38 years and retired in 2024.  

Fun Fact: Dr. Russell is reputed to be Norman Rockwell’s model for the painting “The Family Doctor”. A print hangs in our library.