Celebrating a New Chapter: Bringing our New Library to Life

Dear Friends,

This community has come together in amazingly generous ways to support our library, creating the new Shutesbury Public Library — a wonderful resource for people of all ages now and for generations to come.

As we write this letter, the construction crew is putting the finishing touches on the details inside and outside the library. Opening Day is approaching and we hope you are as excited as we are!

And, we are exceedingly grateful. Grateful for the state grant that covered 60% of the cost of this project, grateful for the funds our Town committed, and grateful to you, the supporters who have contributed in countless ways over more than a decade. Together, you have helped make possible a modern a modern library facility with space for expanded collections, services, and people.

Over the past few years, our fundraising has focused on building a new library. Now, as the new Shutesbury Public Library is about to open, we are turning our attention to our General Fund.

The General Fund pays for circulating materials such as magazines, books, DVDs, and museum passes. It also funds many of the wonderful programs our library offers. With our new space, we’re excited about the expanded possibilities for programming! Let’s come together to ensure our library has the resources it needs to grow innovative collections and offer a rich variety of programs for all ages.

Your Giving Tuesday Gift will fund storytimes for toddlers, engaging programs for school-aged children, live animal and programs puppet shows for all ages, art programs and fitness classes for adults . . . and so much more! All hosted within our new library.

Our new library will also feature dedicated space for a Library of Things. This innovative movement among libraries nationwide allows patrons to borrow useful items such as appliances, small tools, and games. Even in our tiny space, we have offered “things” such as kayaks, a telescope, and board games. Your Giving Tuesday contribution will help the library grow a collection of interesting and useful items!

Giving Tuesday is December 2. And great news: a generous donor has offered a $2,500 Matching Gift to inspire generosity. Each donation received by Giving Tuesday - up to $2,500 - will be matched!

Every little bit helps a lot. Thank you for being part of this remarkable community effort and for continuing to support our library as we begin this exciting new chapter.

If you prefer, checks made out to FSML can be mailed to FSML, PO Box 256, Shutesbury, MA 01072.

Sincerely,

The Friends of the M.N. Spear Memorial Library