Restore Westernport Library: Donate Now

My name is Trish Morgan Keating, president of Save The Westernport Library. Since February of this year we have been working hard in the community to raise funds to help this Library from being shuttered by the Allegany County Library System in MD.

This system has had the closure of Westernport Library on its "intentions list" for at least three years. In fact, this 2024 fiscal year was supposed to be the 2-3 county libraries up for closures, including Westernport, George's Creek and Washington Street.

There was a trustees meeting scheduled for May 13, when discussion about the closures was to be held. However, Mother Nature had other plans, and the towns of Westernport, Barton, Lonaconing and Midland were devastated by a raging, angry flood - resulting in major damage all over.

Our precious Westernport Library was one of the businesses and homes drastically affected. As it would turn out after authorities and professionals evaluated our library, our building was found to be structurally sound.

We have flood insurance of $500,000 on the building, which received minimal damage. We also have insurance of $81,000 on the contents, but we know our books, shelves, etc. will cost much more than that.

Our initial goal for our library when we started was $122K, set there because that's what the county library system said it costs to run Westernport Library. To date, we have raised almost $44,000.

With this GoFundMe account, we'd just like to raise an additional $19K so we can purchase new books, magazine subscriptions, newspapers subscriptions, and work with our librarian to meet her needs after the flood insurance contents has reached its maximum.

Might you consider a donation to help us stock our library after the restoration experts are finished their work? We will be purchasing all books through the Allegany. County Library System.

We would appreciate your support ❤️