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!).