EASTHAMPTON — As the Easthampton Public Library continues to increase staff and build infrastructure in order to offer an ever-widening array of materials, programs and services, its leadership is reaching out to the community at large in hopes of garnering support.
In a public letter to patrons and supporters of the library, the nonprofit operation invited the public to donate or consider becoming a monthly supporter to help continue growth. Trying to be an active and fulfilling space for the public, the letter noted any contribution can make a big difference.
“Wherever you find us — here at 9 Park St., in a tent out on the lawn hiding from our bat friends, in our new 52 Main St. Annex, or out and about town with the Book Bike or our community partners — we hope you see us as your home away from home,” the letter read.
Library Director Katya Schapiro told Reminder Publishing the library is focused on making efforts to better communicate with the public about its offerings as an added attempt to grow supporters.
“We’re an independent nonprofit. We have an endowment that we try to use for the bulk of our operational funding, and we’re also expanding our operations because we’re taking up a new space,” said Schapiro.
While there is no date set for the opening of the new library annex, Schapiro said it is undergoing first stage construction. A capital plan to help support this project is in the works for the library. The small renovation it is undergoing will allow for the space to be used as additional staff workspace or special events space not accessible at the library.
“We’re hoping to expand what we’re able to do as we look toward the future,” Schapiro added.
While the library secures some funding for their yearly operations, the remainder is relied on through the generosity of individuals and families in the community, said Schapiro.
Donating supports two essential funds for the library: the Annual Fund and the Capital Campaign. Whether it’s a one-time donation or set up as a recurring gift, the contribution ensures the library continues serving the community as a vital resource through its educational programs, modern facilities and welcoming spaces.
“As a library that is growing and changing and trying to meet the needs of Easthampton, we really are trying to become better at fundraising and thinking long range about our fundraising as any nonprofit must,” Schapiro said. “I think part of what we’re doing is trying to make our position and our goals more known to the community because some of the community is really up on what we’re doing and some of the community isn’t fully informed because we haven’t been the best communicators.”
Those interested in donating can make a one-time donation or set up recurring gifts to become a monthly supporter. Schapiro recommended the monthly supporter set up as she frequently uses the payment method to keep up in support of other causes she looks to support.
For more information on how to donate visit tinyurl.com/36xmw67r. For information on how to volunteer for different library opportunities and programs visit tinyurl.com/ax8ssd4t.
The library invites those considering larger contributions, estate gifts or endowment donations to connect with Chuck McCullagh, the library’s dedicated fundraising officer. Schapiro explained that McCullagh brings decades of experience in nonprofit financial planning and is ready and equipped to guide those interested through options to make a meaningful, lasting impact on the library’s future.
“When members of our community who can afford to throw a little money our way do that, it supports the whole community’s use of the library. Our operations are for everyone no matter what always, that is our core mission,” said Schapiro. “We want to keep increasing our communication and let people know as much as possible about the things we’re offering.”
Schapiro added support can also come in other ways for those unable to do so monetarily.
“We have a really tight band of hardcore users and then we have people in the city who never think to come to the city, so we want to make sure we’re on everyone’s radar in some ways. Reaching out is not just about money, it’s about letting people know what we’re up to and what we’re hoping for and getting input about what people in the city want from our expansion too,” Schapiro said.
