Declaration Reading and Book Sales
Bath Public Library Draws 33 for Community Declaration Reading
BATH — Thirty-three residents and visitors gathered on the Bath Village Common on July 8 to celebrate America's 250th anniversary by participating in a nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Hosted by the Bath Public Library, the event was part of "Sharing the Spirit of America," a coast-to-coast celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration's first public reading on July 8, 1776. Communities across the country came together at the same moment to read the nation's founding document.
The Bath program was narrated by Craig Pursley of Bath, an acclaimed American artist, author, businessman, and founder of the American Heritage Gallery of Art in Bath, New Hampshire. Craig Pursley shared the remarkable journey of the Declaration of Independence, explaining how it traveled from Philadelphia to towns and villages throughout the thirteen colonies, inspiring a new nation founded on the ideals of liberty, equality, and self-government. His engaging presentation brought history to life and gave attendees a deeper appreciation of the events that shaped the birth of the United States.
Library Director Bernie Prochnik welcomed participants and thanked everyone who helped make the event a success.
"Seeing thirty-three people gather on the Village Common to read the Declaration together was inspiring," Bernie Prochnik said. "This was more than a reading of a historic document—it was an opportunity for our community to reflect on the principles that continue to unite us 250 years later."
The strong turnout was the result of weeks of planning and promotion by the Bath Public Library, with assistance from members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and dedicated community volunteers. The event was promoted through local outreach, social media, email announcements, and community posters.
"We are incredibly proud of the support our community showed," Bernie Prochnik said. "The Bath Public Library strives to offer programs that educate, inspire, and bring people together. This celebration accomplished all three."
As America continues its 250th anniversary commemorations throughout 2026, the Bath Public Library looks forward to offering additional programs that celebrate local history, American heritage, and the people who have shaped the Bath community.
Exactly 250 years after the Declaration of Independence was first read publicly to the citizens of Philadelphia, the voices of Bath joined communities across America in once again proclaiming the words that gave birth to the United States.
Library hours are Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Thursday and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
For more information, contact the Bath Public Library at 603-747-3372 or bathlibrarynh@gmail.com.
AI for Beginners and Annual Book Sale at Tenney
Newbury VT - AI for Beginners - You must RSVP as we can accept only 6 people in this class.
RSVP at Tenney Memorial Library - tenneylibrary@gmail.com
Friday, August 7th from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
There will be refreshments.
Participants Need:
1. Basic familiarity with their laptops (Have to bring a laptop)
2. Have a browser you are familiar with - Google would be great
3. Have your e-mail address written down
4. Have your e-mail password written down
Tenney Library will provide: in addition to refreshments…
1.The ability for several people to use the library Wi-Fi at the same time. (6 people max)
2.Have someone who is computer savvy to help participants if needed.
3.Large screen/monitor
CLASS: Learn the basics of signing up for & using "Claude" AI. It is free. This is a low-stress opportunity for you to learn the cautions and positive uses of AI from a researcher and user, Ivan Chase. Remember, you must RSVP by August 4th to be registered for this FREE class. Please text the library if you have any questions at tenneylibrary@gmail.com
ANNUAL BOOK SALE - September 19th from 9 until 2:00 pm. We have a wonderful collection of curated books for all ages and interests, YES! We are still accepting clean, non-smelly books. Please- no textbooks or VHS. We do accept audiobooks and DVDs, but NO music CDs, please.
The winning ticket will be drawn for our 3rd Annual Quilt Raffle. Tickets will be available at Common Jam, August 23rd and at Tenney Library when we are open. The quilt is on display at Tenney, too.
FREE & REDUCED cost passes for loan from Tenney. Please call ahead to make sure that we have the pass you want at the library, so you will not be disappointed. We have passes for The Fairbanks Museum, VINS, all of Vermont's Historical sites and State Parks (including Groton State Park),The Birds of Vermont Museum,The Granite Museum.
PUZZLES for increasing “brain power” and enjoying time on your porch. We just got a big batch of great donated puzzles for you to borrow as you would books.
West Newbury Festival is on August 8th. As usual, Tenney will be giving out free books to all children who attend…we have some adult books , too. Look for the bright yellow pickup truck.
Finally, if you are a resident of Newbury or Wells River and have a newborn or child under 5 years old, you are eligible to apply for a free book per month delivered to your home for your children. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Book Program chooses the appropriate books and Tenney Library covers the postage. Tenney has the brief form you can fill out to get started. This amazing program supplies books to Newbury’s children from birth until they turn 5. I urge you to take advantage of this program, which has sent millions of good books to homes across the United States.
Our hours are the same throughout the year:
Tuesday - 10-5:00pm
Thursday - 2-8:00pm
Thursdays - Pins & Needles - 9:30-11”30 & Book Group 1st Thursday-7:00
Saturday 9-4:00pm
-Mary Burnham - Library Director