Minot-Sleeper Library in Bristol NH inside main room with bookshelves

The Minot-Sleeper Library Is a Great Resource for Businesses, and Everyone

May 4, 2022 6:58 am

One of the best public amenities here in Bristol is the Minot-Sleeper Library, located at 35 Pleasant Street. Serving as the town’s public library, it’s housed in a beautiful 1885 brick building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside you’ll find free WIFI, computers for browsing the internet, many programs, and of course books for borrowing.

Great Resource for Researching Your Business

If you’re doing research on your new business, make sure to hit the reference desk. They can direct you to business directories, how-to books on writing business plans, and audiobooks on savvy business skills. The library offers access to the EBSCO database that has access to the Business Source Premier catalog, which opens access to hundreds of scientific and business journals, case studies and market research that could assist local businesses doing research. 

If you need a quiet place to work not from home, the library has workspaces available. Just bring your laptop or legal pad and get to work. There are also six public workstations with the full suite of Microsoft programs, connected to a color copier, printer, or scanner. Prints and copies are 20 cents for black and white and 40 cents for color, printing as large as 11×17 paper. These computers are also connected to Bristol’s super fast fiber internet

Need to quickly put together a presentation or keep papers organized? The library has office supplies–stapler, tape, three-hole punch, and more–for those who may not have immediate access to their own supplies. 

Because so many businesses are in need of help today, the library has recently installed a bulletin board for local businesses to hang flyers and business cards and post job openings. It’s a great spot to announce openings, the services you offer, and let people know about your business.

In addition, the Minot-Sleeper Library also offers workshops and classes on business topics, such as a recent class in partnership with our local TD Bank branch on Adult Financial Literacy.

Don’t see the resource you’re looking for? The Minot-Sleeper Library is part of the New Hampshire Interlibrary Loan program and can help you access the book you need. You may order up to two items at a time. Place a request by completing the online form here, or by calling the library at 603-744-3352.

Outstanding Staff Here to Help

Need help finding a book? Not sure what book you need? When you don’t know where to start, ask the staff. They’re knowledgeable and willing to help. Give us a call! Our librarians are happy to talk with you on the phone, by email, or in an online Zoom meeting to help make recommendations based on your interests and reading history.

In addition to help finding books, the staff offers a series of events and workshops, ranging from book clubs to Monday meditations. You can also access the Tech Help Drop-In, held every Thursday from 2-5 p.m., for technology questions. If your computer stops working, no problem. The library’s tech-to-go program lets card holders check out laptop computers, tablets and internet hotspots. 

A Great Resource for the Town

Pop into the Minot-Sleeper Library and you’ll find plenty of resources for residents, whether you’re starting a business or not. These events include:

  • Monday meditations
  • Children’s story hour
  • Online genealogy resources
  • Telescopes you can check out for stargazing
  • Ukelele to check out and play
  • Museum passes
  • Stream movies and TV shows

Interested in an event or checking out one of these resources? Go to the Minot-Sleeper website.

How Do I Get a Library Card?

The Minot-Sleeper library offers free library cards to residents of the Newfound Area School District, which includes Bristol, New Hampton, Bridgewater, Hebron, Alexandria, Hill, Groton, and Danbury. Staff of the Town of Bristol, the Newfound Area School District and the Jennie D. Blake Elementary School in Hill can also get a card free of charge. 

Getting a card is simple. Just bring an official item with your address to prove residency, such as a driver’s license, utility bill or tax form.

Those residing outside of the school district may purchase a library card for $25.

When Can I Go to the Library?

The library is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday from  1 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please check WMUR for closings related to weather. 

For more information on what the library offers, Call 603-744-3352, or email general inquiries to minotsleeperlibrary@gmail.com.