Supporting the library with funding, programing, and technology |
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Friends of BML News and Board Changes |
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Since the spring we have had to make some adjustments concerning our monthly meetings because of Covid-19 restrictions.
We have continued to meet virtually, planning for future events when possible, as well as continuing to support the library in any way we can while the library adapts new challenges. Starr LaTronica keeps us updated on any funding needs or requests, although with so few programs being planned, there have been very few. This has been a blessing and a curse. A blessing because all of our in person fundraising efforts have been cancelled, and a curse because we all wish we were back attending programs at the library.
There have been some recent changes concerning the makeup of the Board. Karen Duggan has requested a leave of absence while she deals with all the challenges of remote teaching. Karen was the secretary of the Friends, Sue Dyer has taken her place as our new secretary. Kate Wylie recently rejoined the Board since moving back to Brattleboro.
We are still seeking two individuals who might be interested in joining the Board of Directors. If you, or someone you know, might be interested in advocating for and supporting library programs, as well as raising funds for these purposes, please contact Joyce Marcel at: [email protected].
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With Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s recent death, Kanopy, an independent film catalog, is highlighting a documentary about her life. RBG is an Academy Award nominee concerning the personal and professional journey of the Justice’s nomination to the Supreme Court. Free streaming of 6 films a month to your home for all library card holders is funded in part by your contributions to the Friends of Brooks Memorial Library. It has proved to be one of the most popular things we fund, and given the upending of our lives by the pandemic, one of the most popular digital services that the library provides. Check it out and see what the buzz is all about.
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Please note: due to the Covid-19 crisis, the October, November, and December 2020 First Wednesdays talks will only be offered online, via Zoom. Advance registration is required for these events.
Click here to see the full schedule.
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The Friends are looking into alternative ways to run our popular winter book sale, where we traditionally sell books that can be given as gifts.We call them “like new.”
Since we are not currently accepting donations of books, we would have to run it with the books we had on hand for the cancelled June book sale. The books would not necessarily be almost “like new.”
As these sales are heavily dependent on volunteers for both set-up and cashiering during the sale, we will also need to find out their level of comfort for exposure to other people. We would obviously adhere to all health guidelines and require masks and social distancing as much as possible.
It is not possible to use the library for the sale, so we are exploring alternate sites. As soon as we have any concrete plans, we will let you know. Until then, keep saving those books for us!
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October 14th - 24th is
National Friends of Libraries Week
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National Friends of Libraries Week is coordinated by United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association with approximately 4,000 personal and group members representing hundreds of thousands of library supporters. United for Libraries supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraiser for libraries, and brings together library trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information, visit www.ala.org/united.
Friends of Brooks Memorial Library, organized in 1991, support the library in providing the highest quality library service to the community by means of advocacy, public relations, and fundraising. Your membership fee supports the work of the Friends, and you might also choose to help with advocacy and fund raising efforts, including book sales and cultural events. You can donate to the Friends here.
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The Friends have had an Amazon Book Shop for many years now. When we receive donations they are sorted and culled. Any books which are worth more than $20.00 are listed on the Amazon site. We are able to reach a larger audience and have been successful over the last few years.
Elaine Murray was a longtime volunteer who had an extensive knowledge of books and their worth and was instrumental in setting up and maintaining this site for us. Elaine has recently relocated out of state.
We are looking for someone who could devote a few hours a month to continue this service for us. We are currently on hiatus because of the pandemic. We are hoping when things return to normal we can resume this valuable service.
If you think you might be interested, please contact Joyce Marcel at : [email protected]
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Recent Friends Expenditures |
These are a few of the recent programs and services funded by the Friends:
Website Maintenance: $305
Bike Rack/Maintenance Tools: $200
Total for these programs: $ 7595
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The Annual Appeal letters will be sent out shortly. We always rely on the generosity of our supporters, but this year the Appeal is even more critical as it will be the primary source of any funds requested by the library.
We realize that so many people have had their circumstances change this year. The Friends have been acutely aware of this as all of our normal fundraising efforts have also been affected.
We thank you for all your past support and hope we are able to count on it for the future as well.
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