Vassalboro Public Library - Annual Appeal 2023

For as long as anyone can remember trustees and staff at the Vassalboro Library send out Annual Appeal letters. They are annually sent in December to library patrons. This year we are trying something different. In addition to sending out letters we will use GoFundMe to help raise funds for the library. The 2023 Appeal letter is shared below. We appreciate any support you can show the library! If you can not donate you can pay it forward by visiting the library and also letting the Town Manager, Select-board, and budget committee know that you support the library.

The Vassalboro Public Library is dedicated to being a hub of information and learning for the community of Vassalboro, and a provider of engaging programs and services for all ages. The library is a 501(c)(3), and we do receive much needed support from the Town which we use to pay for staffing. All other expenses are paid for by library funds and fundraising including all our utilities, programs, book collections, technology, building and grounds upkeep, and equipment. Your support will help the library maintain its services and is greatly appreciated!

Annual Appeal letter 2023 - Library trustee

In 1995 my husband, an infant son and two young sons moved to Vassalboro from Waterville. One of the first places we visited in town was the Vassalboro Public Library. There I was greeted by wonderful smiling faces and helpful volunteers. This tiny, organized, warm, busy and not so quiet place became our second home. Betty Taylor, then librarian, assigned us a library number, not a card. Throughout the many years my children grew up surrounded by books and many different characters at the library. Elenore Getchell made tea daily and would rock my two girls by the woodstove while I worked as the librarian. Mary Heeg and Helen Lafleur would add much advice, laughter and just a touch of innocent gossip. Aldo Colasacco would bend my sons' ears on history and philosophy. Russell Smith was very patient when my daughters wanted to help organize the card catalog that was still in use at that time. Many workers in the background like Betts Kiralis and Diane Hogendorn were instrumental in keeping things going smoothly. Esther Holt would also be nearby with her camera in hand. Our first 'social media manager'.

A lot has changed since then. Our collection is cataloged online and we have access to digital books and audio. We have three paid staff members along with a long list of volunteers. Interior spaces have been reorganized to allow for meeting and program space. This year, thanks to a DECD remote workers grant, we had a large shed placed outside to store most book sale books and overflow storage. This will allow us to prepare the two back storage rooms into offices for remote work, virtual meetings and work spaces. The library offers numerous programs for children and adults throughout the year. I myself enjoy the knitting group. The librarian has also been collaborating with VCS school administration and the PTO to bring in school wide enrichment programs. When I visit the library I almost always see children playing and reading in the large comfortable area that has been turned over for their use. I have heard great things about the D&D group that meets at the library once a month on Sundays. When I first moved into town the library was open three days a week. Now we are open for six days! There have been many positive changes.

Something that has not changed over the years is the feeling I get just walking in the door of the library. It still gives me a wave of warmth, comfort and relaxation whether I am looking for a book, sitting down with some knitting friends, attending a meeting or just sitting in a cozy chair flipping through a magazine. While I am there I can see that sense is shared by many others in our community. The library is a cornerstone for many of us.

I can't imagine how many changes this little library will see in the years ahead. One thing that will never change is we will still count on our numerous volunteers and the generous support from patrons and sponsors like yourself. Aside from paying our capable, knowledgeable and friendly staff, everything it takes to fund our library is done so with money we raise throughout the year. As a board member, volunteer and former librarian I have seen many kinds of ways this gets done. This year we sponsored Book and Bake Sales, a Quilt fundraiser, a Silent Auction and sold pies for the holidays. The most important fundraiser for the year is our Annual Appeal. That is where you come in. The Library is a necessity in this town whether it is for books, space for meetings, tech help, informational programming, or children's story-times and activities. A strong library helps build a strong community and our library is fulfilling its role. Can we count on you for your support this year? Every donation adds up, no matter how large or small, and we do appreciate your support.

With gratitude,

Vickie Limberger - - Vassalboro Library Board of Trustees