As we can quote President Priscilla March, “All in all, it’s been a good year for the Friends of the Lynnfield Library.”
The annual meeting is a great chance to recap the events of the year and strategize for the future. In her address, Priscilla focused on the three major ways the Friends raise funds for the library. Partnerships with local businesses such as King’s Bowling, Whole Foods and Otto’s Pizza raised approximately $7,500. Donations from individuals and families facilitated by the annual appeal are another revenue source (Note: we are now accepting Paypal for payment). The final fund-raising activity is used book sales and DVD rentals. In a welcome touch, Priscilla thanked each of us individually by name for our contributions to this year’s success. She commented on the changing world in library fund raising and how excited we are to be pursuing new opportunities such as a venture with the Wakefield-Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce.
Every year we are privileged to get a library status briefing from Library Director Nancy Ryan. According to Nancy, “We (the library) have jumped another hurdle in the long process of fashioning a plan for a renovated or new library in a new location.” She will welcome our “help at next April’s town meeting to get the schematic design approved.” It’s amazing to note that “patrons visited the Lynnfield Library more than 97,000 times to take advantage of our growing collection…” The ongoing museum pass program continues to be a popular service. “In youth services, ‘Singing and Signing’ programs with local performers Wendy Manninen and Vicki Marsh were brand new.” Nancy praised the contributions of: long-service library Board of Trustee Kerry Haughney who recently retired, and Priscilla March whose term as president will expire June 30, 2015.
We also heard from Linda Burns, Treasurer. The Friends are fiscally sound, and doing a great job of controlling expenses while maximizing revenues. Lauren George, Secretary, whose superb yet succinct notes keep us all on track, read the minutes from last year’s meeting for approval. Cindy Ouellette, Publicity, summarized the efforts undertaken to get our message out there effectively.
So before you know it, we’ll be preparing for our signature event, the fall book sale. Donations are already being dropped off, so enjoy the summer and prepare for more excitement soon!
Friends of the Lynnfield Library 