Photo by LORETTA JACKSON Merrimack's Sheila Lippman, circulation aide at the Merrimack Public Library, arranges some materials in advance of Sunday’s 125th birthday party nearby one of the most popular of library conveniences, a self-checkout station that enables a library patron to borrow items by scanning the book's barcode and the barcode on the borrower's library card.

MERRIMACK – All are welcome to a festive celebration, an event planned for Sunday afternoon and evening that heralds the Merrimack Public Library’s 125th birthday.

Supporters and staffers at the library, 470 Daniel Webster Hwy., will welcome from 2-6 p.m. those wishing to enjoy the celebration. There will be live music, refreshments and games for all ages, along with library tours and other attractions. A photo booth is expected to be busy with patrons who will be gifted with souvenir photos, perhaps accompanied by friends or their favorite librarians.

Merrimack resident Sheila Lippman, a longtime circulation aide at the library, said the anniversary committee has been planning with intensity the many facets of the milestone commemoration. She said many subsequent events throughout the year also are planned.

“It’s been a joy to see the ideas the have come out as we’ve planned the party,” Lippman said. “It’s exciting to realize that the value of the library is appreciated. It’s a jewel in the community.”

Carol and Sonny Bruce, residents of Merrimack for 32 years, are frequent visitors to the library. Carol had a succinct review, “I love the library.”

Photo by LORETTA JACKSON Benjamin Stinson, a resident of Concord who each week for four days mans the Children’s Room on the lower level of the Merrimack Public Library, arranges some books about dogs and other popular pets that surely will draw interest from youngsters attending the library’s 125th birthday festivities on Sunday.

“One of the reasons I moved from Manchester to Merrimack is because of the library,” Carol said. “I get all my reading for free and because the library is connected to other libraries, I can get my best-sellers, real quick.”

Library supporter Bob Bergin moved from Buffalo, New York, to Merrimack approximately 40 years ago. He previously served in the U.S. Army, along with his late wife, Gayle, who was an Army nurse. Completion of his military service and graduation from the University of Buffalo preceded a job offer that motivated the move to Merrimack.

“I think this library is very special, as it has mostly maintained the same staff over the years and each of them has an incredible amount of knowledge that they’re happy to share,” Bergin said.

The popular library services cited by many include innovations that have been implemented to bring more services, technology and conveniences to patrons. An online database addresses topics ranging from auto repair to foreign languages. A 3D printer is kept busy. A telescope can be borrowed. Book clubs, cribbage clubs and other get-togethers abound. A high-tech seismograph projects easy-to-see waves of motion on a wide screen. An outside book-drop is a new sight.

Library Director Yvette Couser and volunteers from the Friends of the Merrimack Library, along with other staffers and sponsors from local businesses, also are credited for hosting the “Turkey Shoot” at Merrimack High School. It is an evening of raffles with prizes ranging from all-inclusive Thanksgiving dinners, to jugs of apple cider and dozens of pumpkin pies. The family fun generates ample dollars for library projects.

“I’ve won a couple of pies at the Turkey Shoot,” Bergin added. “The new drop-box in the parking lot was installed with some of the funds. I use the library every day and now I can come in, or drop off and drive off.”