The Patten Free Library met its $80,000 annual fund goal for the 2015-2016 fiscal year, which ended on June 30. Money raised will be used to support the Library’s historic building, which is celebrating its 125th year. Thanks to the more than 430 donors that chose to support the Patten Free this year, the library will continue to offer services and support for more than 9,000 patrons.
“This year we are celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Library and the generous support from our donors is a reminder to how important we are for the communities we serve,” said Lesley Dolinger, director of the library. “We are proud to continue our mission to transform lives, inspire lifelong learning, preserve local history, and build community through joyful, creative exploration and dialogue.”
As a nonprofit library, the Patten Free does not receive and Federal or State aid. The library receives $17 per capita from the City of Bath and the Towns of Arrowsic, Georgetown, West Bath and Woolwich, which accounts for 33 percent of their revenue.
The rest is raised through endowments and trusts, fundraising programs such as the annual fund and Saturday Club, and from the Friends of Patten Free Library.
The Library has a number of programs and events happening this summer, including our popular children’s Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme is Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and hundreds of grade school children from RSU1 have signed up to participate.
“Promoting early literacy and encouraging a love of reading is important to the Library and vital to our mission,” according to a statement released by the library.
To learn more about what is happening at the Patten Free Library visit patten.lib.me.us or stop by at 33 Summer St. in Bath. The library’s annual campaign for the 2016-2017 fiscal year has begun, with another goal of $80,000. Dpmatopms can be made online, at the Library’s Development Office or mailed to 33 Summer St., Bath ME 04530.
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