About

Our Mission

The mission of the Moore Free Library in Newfane, Vermont is to collect, preserve and deliver in a welcoming, convenient and responsive manner, library materials in print and in electronic formats to meet the informational and lifelong learning needs of the members of its community.  In addition, we seek to provide cultural and environmental enrichment through various forms of art and nature.

Our History

The Moore Free Library was founded in 1898 when Philura Moore donated her home, $2,000, and 2000 books to the town of Newfane. The Moore Free Library has been independent of town government ever since and receives no state or federal funds. In 2000, Robert and Muriel Crowell funded the renovation of a barn on the Moore property into an art gallery and endowed the Library and Crowell Art Gallery with ongoing operational funds, a large collection of books from their private library, and a substantial collection of fine art, including several pieces by Newfane residents Wolf Kahn and Emily Mason.

How We Operate

The Trustees of the Moore Free Library are responsible for ensuring the library operates in alignment with its mission. The Trustees responsibly steward the library’s collection and finances. The Trustees receive no financial compensation for their service.

In addition to circulating books and media, we offer monthly events such as book clubs, movie showings, author talks, and performances with educational components for youth and adults. We also let other community groups use our space for meetings, art classes, and other events. In short, we are a central gathering place in the town of Newfane.

The Friends of Moore Free Library is a group of volunteers who organize special projects (such as the annual book sale) to raise funds for items that are not in the library’s operating budget (such as the construction of new bookshelves, installation of carpet, and new library signage).

The library has one paid staffer, the part-time Library Director, who oversees all aspects of library operations and who reports to the Trustees.

The library is grateful to have a corps of volunteers who help with daily operations and special projects.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a Trustee, joining the Friends, or volunteering, please contact the library.