Nine libraries. Nine days. $4,500.
That’s what Melinda Adams pulled off after deciding the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough’s annual library donation shouldn’t stop at the town line.
The Kiwanis Club has donated to the Peterborough Town Library’s summer reading program for five years. Thanks to Adams and Barbara Bowen, the organization donated an extra $500 each to nine surrounding local libraries.
This made the total $5,500 donated to 10 summer reading programs in southern New Hampshire.
The libraries include James A. Tuttle Library in Antrim, GEP Dodge Library in Bennington, George Holmes Bixby Memorial Library in Francestown, Jaffrey Public Library, Ingalls Memorial Library in Rindge, Mansfield Public Library in Temple, Hancock Town Library, Stephenson Memorial Library in Greenfield, Dublin Public Library and the Peterborough Town Library.
The Hancock Town Library Children’s Librarian, Margot Swanson, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for it.”
Swanson said she will put the donation to good use for the end of the Hancock summer reading program.
‘Community connections’
Found around the world, the Kiwanis Club organization supports children and community efforts that benefit younger generations. The local club does so through donations, fundraisers, events and educational opportunities.
Adams remembers when the local chapter started in 1989. Three original members still participate in the Peterborough group, including Adams’s mom.
Since the beginning, Adams said she remembers attending meetings at 12 years old and the large yard sales with her mom.
“I’ve just always been around it,” she said.
Adams became an official member more recently.
Bowen had a different experience when she decided to join a few years ago.
“I’ve always loved their yard sales, and the way the people work there. Everybody seemed to be having a good time, so when I had a chance, I decided to join,” she said.
The Kiwanis Club of Peterborough’s well-known yard sales fundraised $20,000 last year. In addition to their annual Children and the Arts event and Adams selling larger yard sale items online with her mom, the Kiwanis Club fundraised $40,0000 in 2025.
That money goes back to the community.
Adams pointed out, “it’s not necessarily about the money; the money is a tool … it’s about making those community connections.”
‘Literacy is a big thing’
When planning their annual donation to the Peterborough Town Library, Bowen asked about contributing to the surrounding smaller libraries.
Adams liked this idea and agreed, so as soon as she thought of donating to their summer reading programs, she got right to work.
To pick the libraries to donate to, Adams looked at the towns in the Conant and ConVal school districts since they give the high schools donations each year as well.
Once the Kiwanis Club was on board, Adams got the cashable and uncashable giant checks ready to surprise the librarians.
“I just looked up the hours of the libraries and said, ‘Okay, let’s make this happen,'” Adams said.
In just nine days, she was ready and went to each of the nine libraries.
“It was so cool to see how excited they were,” she said. “They were all in shock.”
The Kiwanis Club of Peterborough focuses on all aspects of improving children’s lives, but often concentrates on access to books.
In addition to donating to the libraries, Kiwanis Kids Book Boxes are located around Peterborough for children to pick out free books. Currently, there is one at the library, playground and the River Center, but Bowen said there will be a new one in front of the Union Congregational Church downtown.
“Literacy is a big thing. Child literacy and making books available to them,” Bowen said.
‘Community thrives’
Adams said the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough refers to themselves as the “small but mighty crew” with 19 current members.
In addition to donating and fundraising, the organization also has weekly meetings with educational presentations from community nonprofits in the area. Adams said the Peterborough Town Library presents their annual data on the importance of literacy each year. More recently, the club heard from End 68 Hours of Hunger, a local organization providing meals for ConVal students facing food insecurity.
“My big belief is visibility,” Adams said.
At these meetings, the Kiwanis Club learns from the guest organization and offers advice and shares their own experience to help these community groups grow.
“I think the more organizations thrive, the more the community thrives,” Adams said.
The Kiwanis Club of Peterborough is looking for more members and volunteers. Feel free to join them for their weekly lunch on Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. at The Village at RiverMead or volunteer at their next yard sale. For more information, go to their Facebook or contact Melinda Adams at melinda.hay.adams@gmail.com.