Maplewood Library Foundation To Launch This Weekend

The newly formed Maplewood Library Foundation, initiated by the Board of Trustees of the Maplewood Memorial Library, will officially launch at a kick-off event on Sunday, May 20. 

The foundation will work to offset budget cuts to the library by seeking long-term, sustainable funding for a variety of initiatives such as extending library hours, updating the physical building, purchasing books and computer equipment.

"It has taken almost two years to do the ground work and get this kick-off organized," said Ellen Davenport, treasurer of the foundation. "We have invited residents who have had long-time interest in the library and many new residents who are avid library users. The invitation list is a great cross-section of our community.  Hopefully, just a beginning of more to come."

A tax-exempt, charitable organization (with 501(c)(3) registration pending), the foundation is managed by six volunteer board members: Rowland Bennett, Ben Cohen, Ellen Davenport, Ian Grodman, Diane Haase and Kevin Sheridan.

The Foundation differs from the Friends of the Library, which has brought vital support to the library since 1942, in that it will seek larger, long-term support.  

There are currently seven Participation Levels:

• William Shakespeare $10,000
• Charles Dickens         $ 5,000
• Jane Austen $ 2,500
• Maya Angelou $ 1,000
• Mark Twain $    500
• Emily Dickinson $    250
• Dr. Seuss $    100

Donations of any size are welcome. For more information or to make a donation, please contact Diane Haase: dianehaase@verizon.net.