Goodnow Library Cuts Ties With Friends Of Goodnow Nonprofit

SUDBURY, MA — Citing a deteriorating relationship, the Goodnow Library Board of Trustees voted Tuesday night to sever its relationship with the Friends of Goodnow nonprofit.

In a statement, Board of Trustees Chair Ingrid Mayyasi said the Friends of Goodnow exerted "inappropriate influence" over library affairs by threatening to withhold donations.

"Ultimately, the donors who support the Friends' efforts do so out of care and concern for the library," Mayyasi's statement said. "The withholding of these donations, often pending our agreement to myriad conditions, is inappropriate and a goes against donors' intent. We have asked that the Friends organization turns over any remaining funds it has received that were intended for the library."

Mayyasi said the decision to cut ties was made over a period of months after tension between the trustees and Goodnow staff.

“The Board did not make this decision lightly but rather after deliberate consideration over a period of many months and after reflecting on a relationship that continues to deteriorate despite efforts to repair it. The decision was also made after diligent consultation with legal counsel," her statement said.

According to the Friends' most recent tax return covering the year 2018, the group took in about $56,000 in donations and other revenue, and distributed about $31,000 of it.

Neither the Friends of Goodnow group nor Goodnow Director Esme Green immediately responded to a request for comment about the split.