A Library for Us All: Capital Campaign

Following a comprehensive strategic planning process and feasibility study, the Friend Memorial Public Library is embarking on a two-year campaign to raise $2.5 million to revitalize and expand the building and grounds, and to assist with long-term operating expenses.

The funds will help the library address a number of pressing needs, including climate control and ventilation, updating our aging infrastructure, addressing space constraints and accessibility issues, and providing for more long-term financial stability by growing our endowment fund.

The fundraising campaign will enable the library to both improve its existing space and add the room it needs to thrive in the future – all while preserving the intimacy and distinctive architecture that have long made the library both the face and heart of our community. At least two private spaces will be added to accommodate an increased need for remote learning, working, and technology assistance sessions. For all to have equal access, we need to bridge the technology divide for all populations. Facilitating remote learning and working spaces is now a part of library culture, ensuring a collaborative and connected community.

The funding will also provide the long-term financial stability needed to hire and retain skilled staff and maintain relevant, up-to-date collections and services. It will also enable the library to become home to a unique and curated collection of maritime books and historic periodicals on wooden boat building, a craft closely associated with Brooklin’s past and present.

This initiative is inspired by a vision articulated 60 years ago by Katharine White, a Brooklin resident who was a seminal figure in the library’s development. In a 1963 letter to the library’s board, White wrote: “A public library is not a static affair. Every year if it is not to retrogress, it must grow in service…”

The Friend Memorial Public Library is committed to realizing White’s vision and growing in service to the community for many years to come.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?
– VIEW OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS PAGE
– MAKE A SUBMISSION VIA OUR DIGITAL SUGGESTION BOX
– EMAIL US DIRECTLY AT CAMPAIGN@FRIENDML.ORG

Campaign Leadership & Volunteers

Library Board of Trustees Brittney Sobol Carter Eden Cowart Ed DePasqual, President Rich Hilsinger Anita Jacobssen, Vice-President Elizabeth Parson, Secretary David Porter, Treasurer David Tarr	Maritime Research Collection Sub-Committee Maynard Bray Queene Foster Roberta Greany Rich Hilsinger, Board Representative Pat Lown
Capital Campaign Committee Robert Baird, Capital Campaign Chair Ed DePasqual, Board Representative Marge Irvine Jill Knowles Robin Lincoln Stacia Nevin, Honorary Campaign Chair Katie Schoettle Sherry Streeter, Honorary Campaign Chair Jon Wilson, Honorary Campaign Chair	Architectural Review Sub-Committee Robert Baird, Capital Campaign Chair Maynard Bray Paul Cammaroto Eden Cowart, ARC Chair Allison Dorvillier Molly Dwyer Matt & Libby Elliot, Elliot Architects Robin Lincoln Catherine Nevin, Library Director Robyn Sealander