Friends of the M N Spear Memorial Public Library Inc

50/50: Your gift today will benefit our present and our future!

Welcome, and thanks for considering joining the

 Friends of the M.N. Spear Memorial Library. 

Half of the funds donated today will be deposited into our general fund to help fund the fun stuff,  and half will deposited into our new library fund.

Giving Tuesday, and this Friends membership drive, is lifeblood for the Spear Library. Because public funding is never enough to provide all the important resources that community members seek, our Library depends on the Friends of the Spear—independent and nonprofit--to bolster our offerings. The Friends raises funds from hundreds of supporters so that the library can offer inspiration, information, and space for everyone, believing that a stronger library makes a stronger community.  

The Spear Library, a single room essentially unchanged since it opened in 1902, has always been a valuable and vibrant part of our town. Each year, as a result of the Friends-supported programming no doubt, library use grows. Last year patrons borrowed more than 36,000 items. They borrowed the usual items -- books, DVDs, magazines, audiobooks -- but they also borrowed museum passes, chemistry kits, and kayaks. For some, the Spear Library is the only access to Internet.

And then there is community. The Friends funds cultural, scientific, exercise, art, and a variety of other programs that entertain, enrich, and nourish curious minds. These programs are always open to the public and most are free.

Working tirelessly the Friends support not only enrichment but also our new library fund. Since 2011 they have raised more than $180,000 through membership drives and a variety of grass roots efforts, including bake sales, community dinners, spring cleanups, even bottle and can drives. With near matching support from Town Meeting over those years, Shutesbury now has more than $359,000 saved for a new library. We still have a long way to go, but have no doubt, we will rake and bake our way to a new library.

Today is a great day to add to this total and help us realize our dream of a new Shutesbury Library! Your gift can make the difference between good libraries and great libraries. The collections, programs, and library enhancements would not be possible without your continued support. On behalf of children, retirees, and everyone in between -- all who enjoy the magic of libraries -- we extend our sincerest thanks as you consider giving to the Friends of the M.N. Spear Memorial Library this season.