Mission

To enrich and empower the lives of our community members.

How we do our work

We provide diverse and responsive resources, services and programming in a safe, inclusive environment, at no cost.

Vision

Where curiosity thrives and community members connect

Values

  • Inclusion

  • Sustainability

  • Responsiveness

  • Accessibility

  • Intellectual Freedom and Privacy

Strategic Plan 2026-2028 adopted by the Board of Trustees on October 22, 2025.

About Us

The Becket Athenaeum is more than a library. It is a living, breathing, center of community involvement and engagement, dedicated to the belief that when a community’s needs are revealed, particularly in small, rural areas, it is the responsibility of institutions like libraries to harness the community’s existing strengths and create a space and a haven to meet the revealed needs. All of the library programs and services are offered free of charge and have been carefully researched, developed, and implemented based on the real, documented needs of the community.

2019-10.22 Taste of Safe Conversations-Presenter Ani Nadler Gross, standing, is motioning with her hands while surrounded by seated workshop participants.jpg

What is an Athenaeum?

Come into the library to see our educational bulletin board and check out this video made by our interns to find out! (opens in a new tab)

GET INVOLVED

It is thanks to our amazing volunteer corps that we are able to provide such breadth of programs and services.

Whether you have an hour a month or an hour a day to give, we need your help.