Friends

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Friends of the Library


In January 1994, a group of concerned library members met and the nucleus of the Friends of the Dalton Free Public Library was formed. Those present felt their financial support would augment library activities that would otherwise remain unfunded. The group decided the main focus of the Friends would be to:

•    Raise funds to purchase materials not covered by the library’s budget
•    Provide lecture programs
•    Assist in reading challenges for both adult and children by purchasing materials and prizes
•    Support book discussion groups
•    Sponsor educational meetings for the general public

Bylaws for the organization were developed, all necessary forms for incorporation were filed, and a tax exemption number was received under the official name The Friends of the Dalton Free Public Library, Inc. Now all contributions to the Friends are tax deductible (to the extent of the law).

To raise funds the Friends have an annual sponsorship drive each year beginning October 1st. The Friends receive much support from Dalton and surrounding towns.

Additional funds are raised with a year round Lobby Book Sale.

Due to the support of the Friends, the Library has been able to purchase:

•    Museum passes for the Berkshire Botanical Garden, Berkshire Museum,  Forest Park Zoo, Hancock       Shaker Village, Mass MOCA and Norman Rockwell Museum

•   Subscription to the Berkshire Eagle

•    Prizes and craft supplies for children who participate in the Summer Reading Club
•    Sets of reference books which the library could not otherwise afford
•    More large print books, more books on  CD and e-books through CWMARS
•    Books for the Book Discussion Group
•    Some new furniture and shelving

The Friends have also sponsored several lecture and discussion programs for adults, publish a newsletter and provide bookmarks.

All members of the Friends are invited to attend the January, April and October Board meetings and the Annual Meeting in June .

Officers elected at the Annual Meeting for 2023-24 are:

President – Ellen Snyder
Vice President – Sarah DiFazio
Treasurer – Kimberly Gwilt
Secretary – Kate Sanders
Members-at-large – Betty Ann Hamm, Marsha Anthony, Joanne Delmolino and Wendy Provencher

New sponsors are welcomed and encouraged.

Sponsorship forms are available at the library.

Updated 3/13/2020

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