Orford — The Friends of the Orford Libraries group has received the New Hampshire Library Trustees Association’s annual Sue Palmatier Award for outstanding support by a friends of the library group.

The award is scheduled to be presented by Susan Gaudiello, the New Hampshire Library Trustees Association president, at a celebration on Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. at Orford Free Library.

In addition to the Free Library, on Route 25A, the town is also home to Orford Social Library, on Route 10.

The nonprofit friends group provides support to both.

According to the nomination, Friends of the Orford Libraries has undergone many transformations and leadership changes since its formation in the 1980s, but has stayed true to its mission. Its support has allowed the libraries to expand their patron services and update their facilities.

Thanks to the friends group, the Free Library has been able to install heating and air conditioning systems, “vastly improve” its lighting, renovate the interior, purchase a computer for patron use, begin an audio collection, and create a children’s room, the nomination said.

“We are deeply appreciative of all that the Friends have done for us. They truly have helped us to create a warm and inviting space for our patrons.”

According to the nomination, the group’s active membership comprises fewer than a dozen people, who have “worked tirelessly” to support the libraries.

Since 2000, the group has raised $60,000 through events such as an annual summer flea market booth, a community phone book, soup suppers, holiday pie sales and a silent auction that brought in $6,000.

“Most recently their wholehearted support of the membership of both libraries in the Howe/Evergreen digital catalog project has allowed for the full purchase of equipment, supplies and payment of the associated fees,” the nomination said.

“This is no small undertaking.”

— Staff report