Although primarily supported by Scarborough’s municipal budget, the Scarborough Public Library is not a town department. Like many libraries in the Northeast, especially New England, our Library was founded in 1899 as a non-profit corporation. In today’s IRS parlance it is registered as a 501(c)(3) organization, eligible to accept tax-deductible contributions. Each year to supplement our appropriation from the town, and to fully fund our operating costs, the Library raises money from donors through our annual appeal campaign.
This year’s annual appeal goal is $52,000 and as the end to our fiscal year approaches, we need additional support to reach that target. Please consider making a gift by June 30. No gift is too small! All contributions will help the Library fulfill its mission to provide access to a broad and deep collection and high quality services that promote lifelong learning in a welcoming, community-centered facility. To donate by credit card, use our secure online portal or download an Annual Fund form, then print and mail or FAX.
Looking ahead to the next fiscal year that will begin on July 1, we have presented our budget to the town, and it has just been approved by the Town Council. We are fortunate to have an excellent relationship with municipal leadership. A member of the Town Council serves as a voting member of our Board of Trustees. Each year the Library provides fiscal transparency by undergoing an audit ensuring that both our municipal and donor funds are appropriately spent and invested.
The Library hopes that this successful public/private partnership can continue with our proposed expansion. To reduce the request of funding through a municipal bond, the Library’s Board of Trustees have committed to embarking on an ambitious capital campaign.
Respectfully,
Nancy E. Crowell
Library Director