The Friends of the Newburyport Public Library has launched its first Annual Appeal to ensure ongoing funds to support the library.
The 2008 Annual Appeal represents the first long-range fundraising effort by the Friends since it sought contributions in 1999 for the Building Fund that resulted in the new addition to the library, which opened in 2001. The appeal has been sent to current and past Friends members and contributors to the Building Fund. Copies of the appeal are available at the front desk of the library, as well.
"The hope is that the community will respond generously to the first Annual Appeal and consider supporting the Friends each year at this time in the future," Friends President Amantha Moore said. "Our twice-a-year Great Old Book Sales help the library by providing for the purchase of new materials and for ongoing programs, but our intent is to supplement the income from the book sales through the Annual Appeal."
Contributors to the Annual Appeal may choose to earmark their donations among several Friends funds, Moore said.
Head librarian Dorothy La France emphasized the vital role the Friends has played in supporting the library.
"The Friends organization continues to allow us to offer enhanced services and collections to our patrons," she said. "Through its fundraising efforts, it also assures our ongoing state certification qualification. For example, the Friends recently contributed more than $20,000 to the annual library materials budget, a requirement for certification. Last year, the Friends donated more than $60,000 all together toward collections, programs, computer software and hardware upgrades. The Friends make it possible for us to continue to provide quality public library services during very challenging times."
La France said the appeal is indicative of the library's significance to the city.
"This first Annual Appeal is our way of acknowledging the important role the Newburyport Public Library plays in our community, and it offers patrons a way to say 'thank you' for everything that the library offers us, residents and visitors alike," she said. "We especially hope that the business community, which contributed so generously to the library's Building Fund, will set a precedent by responding generously as well to the Appeal."
The Friends Annual Appeal will remain open until the end of 2008. It is the first of a planned yearly fundraising effort.
