Fund Raising
The Morris Public Library is a tax deductible charity and we appreciate your support to help us serve you better. If you can't think of what you need or want for Christmas this year, why not ask your family and friends to give a donation to the Morris Public Library in your name.
The Quilt Raffle to Benefit the Morris Public Library raised over $1700 and our thanks to all those who bought tickets.
2011 Fund Drive Letter Dear Friends: We welcome spring and thank all of our good friends and patrons for your past support. Once again, we appeal for your help, which is needed more than ever. As we have explained in the past, the Town provides only about 80% of our operating budget. The balance come from fund raising projects, grants and your generosity. The Morris Public Library is always there for your use, free of charge, but we constantly struggle to meet all of your needs while facing ongoing budget shortfalls. The Friends of the Library recently sponsored its successful "Art Around the Box" fund raiser, with collaboration from the Board. Although these funds will support several important programs, they come to us with conditions. they cannot be spend to meet our shortfall in operating expenses, nor can they go t pay the $4,500 fee to Bibliomation not covered by the Town. Right now we are struggling to buy new books, both regular and large print, to meet your needs. Here's what we will need to spend above the amount provided by the Town: 2010-11 2011-12
Totals $14,574 $16,000 When you walk into your library, you will see the improvements of the renovation and notice how busy it can be. Grants from the Praxair Foundation supplemented by donations in memory of Joanne and Apley Austin and a generous discount from Custom Furniture & design allowed us to revamp the circulation desk and work area. The Praxair grant also covered programs such as our book discussions, the Teen Advisory Council, the children's story hour, lectures, plus other capital expenditures. However, we have received word that this grant will not be available to us this year. Our circulation in March was 21% over March last year. There are many more patrons using the computers, and we added Wi-Fi service to allow patrons to use their laptops in the library. Our next objectives, in response to your requests, are to provide E-readers and E-books plus additional large print books. The library also wishes to recognize our wonderful volunteers who supplement our staff. We again ask for whatever amount you can give us this year. Please send your contribution to the Morris Public Library, P. O. Box 85, Morris, CT 06763. Thank you. The Library Board of Directors
Targeted Funds Pay for Many Library Needs:
For Sale in the Library:
|
Library Director Lorraine Kerr Faison continues to seek grants for specialized programs and projects for the Morris Public Library. Most recently, a contribution from the New York Community Trust has purchased a new color laser printer for our patron computers. Funds from the Friends of the Library have purchased a projection screen and a digital camera; the Civic Family Services grant of $500 goes annually to build a specialized area of the collection; Mary Delahunty purchased a new book truck for the library; and proceeds from a Praxair Foundation Grant have paid for many of the programs and book discussions the library is able to offer. We are pleased to announce that an additional grant from the Praxair Foundation along with previous Praxair funds now guarantees that the library will be able to complete the renovation of the staff work area and charge desk, along with funds from the New York Community Trust and the Joanne Austin Memorial Fund. Praxair funds also paid for the development and support of the Library’s web site which went live July 1, 2009. Money from the Thomaston Saving’s Bank grant last year purchased a new computer and this year will purchase a projector. These funds have enhanced the library program and saved the taxpayers of Morris many thousands of dollars.
The Library still has a supply of colorful and decorative tiles depicting the James Morris Academy and Morris Homestead for sale for $15 each. Both hard and soft cover copies of Barbara Nolen Strong’s book, The Morris Academy, Pioneer in Co-education, a charming and definitive look at a school and educator way ahead of its time and a model for today’s public education, are available for $10 and $5 respectively. The library also offers a revolving collection of gently used books at very modest prices. These funds go to supplement the book budget, as well as other programs.