irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2020
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $1KThe library added new titles audio compact discs and video discs to the collection for public use.
- #2 $5KThe library maintained inter library loan of materials
named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Community Programming
Free events and activities organized by the Programming Committee to engage the public and support the library’s mission.
Digital Collections Access
Provides remote access to ebooks, audiobooks, comics, streaming video, and research databases through platforms like Libby, Hoopla, and Comics Plus.
Interlibrary Loan
Service allowing patrons to borrow materials from other libraries within the Upper Hudson Library System.
Local History Digitization
Participation in New York Heritage to digitize and provide access to local historical materials.
activities · 10 groups
What they do
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Public Access to Digital and Physical Library Collections 3 activities
- Offers free public access to digital resources and online toolsProvides residents of Albany and Rensselaer Counties with access to digital content such as ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and streaming video, including Hoopla for on-demand media and Cypress Resume for creating professional job application documents. An online comic collection for all ages will launch January 1, 2026, excluding Marvel titles.
- Operates a free community bookshelfMaintains a free bookshelf where patrons can take books, CDs, DVDs, and magazines at no cost, increasing access to materials regardless of library membership or borrowing status.
- Provides library materials and services for education, recreation, and lifelong learningOffers a wide range of physical and digital materials including books, audio CDs, video discs, DVDs, magazines, and streaming content to support the educational and recreational needs of community residents. Circulation, acquisitions, and operations are regularly reported to governing bodies and state agencies.
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Transparent Governance Meetings 1 activity
- Hosts Board of Trustees meetingsConvenes monthly open public meetings of the Board of Trustees at the library to oversee governance and operations.
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Early Literacy Promotion 1 activity
- Hosts children’s literacy and engagement programsConducts weekly story time sessions every Thursday at 11 a.m. for young children and operates a StoryWalk® on the walking trail adjacent to Berlin Elementary School, available after school hours to promote outdoor reading and family engagement.
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Museum-Based Educational Outreach 1 activity
- Hosts special events and visiting programs for the communityBrings external educational experiences to the community by hosting programs such as the Berkshire Museum's Mobile Museum Unit, including themed events like “Under the Sea” and “Reptiles & Friends,” and collaborates with organizations like VIA Aquarium to deliver engaging public events.
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Library of Things Lending 1 activity
- Loans specialized non-traditional items to patronsProvides lending of blood pressure monitors with health logs for 14-day home use, family board games, puzzles, and museum passes available for 3-day borrowing on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Regional Library Resource Sharing 1 activity
- Maintains interlibrary loan servicesFacilitates access to materials beyond its local collection through ongoing interlibrary loan services, enabling patrons to borrow resources from other libraries.
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Recurring Craft and Fiber Arts Groups 1 activity
- Organizes adult and community programmingHosts a monthly book club on the second Wednesday at 2 p.m. (excluding July, August, and December), a weekly stitch group every Friday at 3 p.m., and a weekly social group for fiber enthusiasts every Friday afternoon from 3–5 p.m. offering informal project support.
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Notary and Document Services 1 activity
- Provides in-person notary public servicesOffers notary public services to patrons by appointment, supporting access to essential document verification.
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Annual Financial and Activity Reporting 1 activity
- Submits required reports to oversight and funding bodiesPrepares and submits annual reports to the Upper Hudson Library System, the New York State Education Department, the Berlin Town Board, and the Board of Trustees, including a Report to the Community and Form 990.
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Library Volunteer Coordination & Community Engagement 1 activity
- Supports library through Friends groupOperates a Friends of the Library group to provide community-based support for the Berlin Free Town Library, likely contributing to fundraising and volunteer efforts.
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financials · form 990 · fy2023
revenue
Total revenue$55K
Contributions & grants$30K55%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$14K25%
Other revenue$11K
expenses
Total expenses$60K
Program expenses93%
Admin / overhead7%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$26K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$576K
Cash$12K
Investments$305K
Liabilities$289
Net assets$575K
Liquid reserves63.0 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2023 · YoY revenue +15.0%
relationships · 19
Who they work with
- Albany Public Library Government — Provides funding for UHLS digital resources via New York State Library’s Central Library grants.
- Altamont Free Library Partner — Collaborates through the UHLS Library Expedition, hosting visits between library patrons and staff.
- BMHS' Community Active Mountaineers Partner — Partner organization that collaborates with the library to maintain and support the StoryWalk® at Berlin Elementary School.
- Berkshire Museum Partner — Collaborated to host the Mobile Museum Unit (MoMU) programs at the library.
- Berlin Chess Club Partner — Founded the library through its members' initiative during the club's organizational meeting in 1894.
- Facebook Partner — Uses Facebook to share information about upcoming library events and programs.
- Friends of the Library Group Partner — Group working to create new fundraisers and programs in support of the library.
- Instagram Partner — Uses Instagram to share information about upcoming library events and programs.
- NOVELNY Partner — Provides access to multiple online research databases available to all New York State residents without a library card.
- NYS Coordinated Outreach Services Funder — Provides funding for the Cypress Resume platform offered to member libraries.
- New York State Education Department Government — Submits annual reports to the Library Extension Division of the New York State Education Department.
- New York State Library Government — Administers Central Library grants that fund UHLS digital resources.
- Sara Rogers Partner — Coordinator of the book club and primary contact for participation.
- Sara Rogers Partner — Library Director involved in managing the Friends of the Library group.
- Town of Berlin Government — Submits an annual Report to the Community and budget materials to the Berlin Town Board; designated recipient of remaining assets in case of dissolution.
- Upper Hudson Library System Network — Berlin Free Town Library participates in the Upper Hudson Library System, enabling shared access to digital resources.
- Upper Hudson Library System Network — Submits annual reports to the Upper Hudson Library System.
- VIA Aquarium Partner — Partnered with the library for summer educational programs such as “Under the Sea”.
- inter library loan Partner — Participates in interlibrary loan system to share materials with other libraries.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community-Supported Library Model for Sustained Local Ownershipmethodology: community-supported library modelBy maintaining library services through sustained community involvement—including staff, trustees, volunteers, and Friends of the Library groups—the library ensures long-term resilience and relevance, because local ownership increases trust, support, and responsiveness to community needs.
- Fine-Free Lending to Promote Equitable Accessmethodology: fine_free_lendingBy eliminating late fines for overdue materials, the library reduces barriers to access and promotes more equitable use of library resources, because financial penalties disproportionately affect low-income patrons and deter library engagement.
- Low-Barrier Digital Access via Temporary Self-Registrationmethodology: low-barrier_digital_accessBy allowing online self-registration for temporary library cards, the library increases digital inclusion and lowers entry barriers, because immediate access without in-person requirements enables broader participation, especially among underserved or mobility-limited community members.
- Outdoor Literacy Activation Combining Physical and Cognitive Engagementmethodology: outdoor-literacy-activationBy integrating literacy development with physical activity and outdoor environments through programs like StoryWalk®, the library enhances learning retention and family participation, because multisensory, movement-based experiences strengthen engagement, especially among young children.
- Peer-Led Social Engagement to Foster Informal Learning and Connectionmethodology: peer-led social groupBy using peer-led, social-group models in programs like fiber arts, the library supports community connection and informal learning, because shared participation without formal instruction lowers social barriers and increases sustained engagement.