Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

HPL director outlines library’s impact in 2024

Leigh Balzer of From Me to You Puppetry entertains families at the Hopkinton Public Library during a program in August 2024. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

According to Hopkinton Public Library Director Nanci Hill, the library provided just over $23 million in value to the community in 2024.

Hill reviewed this data in the most recent edition of the HPL’s monthly newsletter. The value was calculated from an average of 22.3 visits to the library per operating hour multiplied by an annual program/event cost per person of $1.58.

She went on to claim this value saved the average household in Hopkinton over $3,500 and provided a return on investment to the town over 2,400% in the past year.

Hill also reviewed other highlights of the HPL’s year. The library circulated over half a million items in fiscal year 2024 and offered around 1,000 programs for all ages. Additionally, it improved its catalog experience through the adoption of new digital tools.

Another important milestone for the HPL in 2024 was the extension of its operating hours. The library now is open from noon-4 p.m. on Sundays thanks to the funding of four new full-time positions and an increase in hours for three part-time staff.

“Thus far, Sundays have been very busy,” Hill stated in the library’s newsletter. “We hope that being open these extra hours will be of benefit to those unable to make it to the library during the workweek.”

Hill went on to praise the hard work and dedication of the HPL’s staff over the past year.

“Each one of [the staff members] is dedicated to providing you with a welcoming and safe space, programs, and collections,” she noted.

Latest News

In what is believed to be a “targeted” robbery, two individuals were arrested by Hopkinton police on Saturday for allegedly breaking and entering into a home on Wood Street.

This week’s Police Log features four arrests, along with reports of a fistfight on Clinton Street and a motor vehicle crash that took down a pole on Granite Street.

The Hopkinton Trails Club and anyone interested in helping will be clearing trees and brush at the Chamberlain Street extension on Saturday.

Town meetings tonight include the School Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

Two individuals travel down a sidewalk at the Legacy Farms North development.

PHOTO/AMIT JAGDALE