ANNUAL APPEAL

Support Us

The ongoing impact of COVID-19 has challenged the Library to respond and adapt in ways that were unprecedented prior to the pandemic. Over the past year, the Library developed innovative programming and student services that the Foundation was pleased to sponsor, including:  

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·         virtual film screenings to foster community engagement and conversations among viewers; 

·         Live Chat assistant to provide support to schoolwork and research assignments for students of  all ages; and 

·         Make & Take kits to engage families, young and old, with creative projects to complete at home.  

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As guidelines relaxed during the spring, the Library provided for socially-distanced, in-person events sponsored by the Foundation, including:  

·         performances of Live Music on the Lawn at Keach Park, Eagle Square and Prince Street;

·         outdoor programs in city parks and downtown; and

·         free museum passes for all Library patrons to Squam Lakes Science Center, the New England Aquarium, Wright Museum and McAuliffe Discovery Center. 

As advocates for the evolving needs of the Library and its patrons, the Foundation added new directors to better reflect our community. Ali Sekou, Ghana Sharma (Dahal) and Liza Poinier bring expertise in marketing, program development and community engagement/outreach through their work with students and newcomers to our community.  

Your donations fund programs to specifically target programmatic needs and gaps not covered by municipal sources. For example, our grant to Overcomers Refugee Services (ORS) facilitated a summer tutoring program in which student tutor, Riyah Patel, helped New American students from Concord prepare for the new school year with personalized lessons.

Please remember and honor those we have lost in the past year by making a donation in their name or commemorating those who inspired you to read.

Is there a better tribute in these troubled times?