WHY DOES THE LIBRARY NEED FRIENDS?
The Monterey Library has formally been in existence since 1891, though there are reports of some sort of library before, and the current building was only built in 1931. In 1989 the library automated with a stand alone system, and then in 2008 we joined the Central Western Massachusetts Automated Resources Sharing. We added the resources of most of the libraries in Massachusetts to our little library with its collection of 9000 circulating items. Thanks to a delivery system run by the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System, patrons can search for and order books from all over the state.
Our newest venture is the newly formed FRIENDS OF THE MONTEREY LIBRARY. A group of concerned patrons has joined together to support the library in many ways. Just to organize and gain 501c3 status for tax deductible status they will need to raise over $700.
The library has always appreciated the financial support from the Town of Monterey, including a substantial increase to join CWMARS. Over the years, however, grants and donations have made a tremendous difference to the services provided. All the automation prior to 2008 was paid for by grants and donations, just as the public use copiers going back to 1976 were also paid for. Donations of books and other items as well as the money to buy them have made a huge difference in the quality of the collection. Many of the improvements to the building, including the carpeting, blinds, furniture, paintings, shelves, and even the trees in the yard have been paid for by private donations. The cost of providing children’s and adult programming has also been
covered by donations in addition to grants. We are grateful to all who have donated to make our library better in so many ways. The Friends will be helping to raise funds for these and other projects. We have applied for a grant that will give us two dollars for every dollar we raise to buy children’s books. The Trustees, the Director, and the Friends will meet to identify needs and set goals to improve the ways in which the library serves the community.
A second way for the Friends to help the library in its mission to serve the community will be to advocate for the programs and services, whether it be on town meeting floor with the budget, or at the lunch counter at the General Store. Friends will spread the word about the services and support the growth.
Finally, the friends will provide a group the library can count on to volunteer in many ways. Booksales don’t just happen, volunteers are key. Book discussions, programming, and beautification projects are all ways volunteers can get involved. Whether you can repair an ethernet cable or know the alphabet well enough to help keep the collection organized, you can be part of the volunteers that have made a difference in the quality of the library in Monterey.
Do you value the services the library provides? Would you like to be involved as the library continues to improve services to Monterey? Do you have even a couple of hours out of a year to help with the booksale? If you answered yes to any of those questions….
LET’S BE FRIENDS OF THE MONTEREY LIBRARY
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