It’s been a challenging year in so many ways. Here at the library, we cherish the relationships we have developed with each one of you, and cannot thank you enough for the outpouring of support we’ve received. As we forge ahead to keep serving the community, another great way to help us is by joining the Friends of the Ipswich Public Library. The Friends are a non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to the support of our library. Without the hard work and generosity of our Friends, the library would not be able to offer half the services our community has come to love. Did you know that the library has NO line item in its municipal budget for programs? Over 11,000 people attend library programs at the library each year, and most are funded by this amazing group! In addition, the Friends assist in many other areas that are above and beyond the municipal budget, sponsoring projects including: New furnishings Technology enhancements Discount museum passes for over 20 area attractions (saving our patrons over $30,000 every year!) Scholarships (presented annually to graduating high school seniors) While our Friends have always provided the bedrock on which we build our services, they’ve especially been there for us during the pandemic. They’ve continued to fund new online programs, take-home crafts, and other needed services. In order to have two very successful book sales this fall, they navigated the complicated requirements of setting up for social distancing and quarantining inventory. We don’t know what the future brings, but we know the Library will rise to challenge, because of the partnership and support we can count on from the Friends. CLICK HERE to learn how you can make a donation and/or become a member of the Friends today (you can now donate or join right online!).      

This has been a challenging year for everyone, but it’s been a particularly difficult time for families. Here at the Ipswich Public Library, we know that parents and children have long lists of issues to navigate and skills to learn this fall, and that plans and expectations are shifting constantly. To help you keep track of it all, we’ve been working on an extensive Family Resource Guide. This new resource is a compilation of library materials, educational guides, and many other resources to help your family manage this school year and the years ahead. Inside, you will find tools and tutorials for remote learning technology that we’ve compiled with input from the Ipswich Public Schools. Our staff has also been familiarizing themselves with this technology, in order to be able to help answer your questions as you get up to speed with new platforms and environments. In addition to school-specific information, the Resource Guide also contains a wealth of information about other services and support for issues your family may be juggling right now. We’ve included information about health and wellness, mental health resources, and other support organizations. We hope you find it helpful to bookmark, and we will continue to update it as needs and resources evolve. We’d like to be your partners in gathering this information in one place and keeping it up to date. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to anyone on our staff. Even if we don’t directly provide the service you need, we will find a way to connect you to someone who can help. Click here to connect to the Family Resource Guide.