How To Get Involved
Gifts: The survival and growth of the Library is the result of continuous and substantial public support from the Library's inception to the present day. Patrons have remembered the library with contributions and with bequests in their wills. Relatives and friends have established trusts as continuing memorials. Donors may specify that gifts may be spent in their entirety or the income only and may name particular areas of interest.
Several options exist for tax-deductible gifts to the Library:
The Wellfleet Library Fund is an account maintained for gifts with no restrictions. It includes non-specific gifts, large and small. For example, summer visitors who have enjoyed the library collection and the varied programs of cultural events frequently send contributions at the end of the season. Non-specific gifts are expecially welcome because they give the administration full discretion and allow flexibility to meet any needs that may arise.
Gifts of $2,500 or More can be established as permanent trusts in the name of a particular individual or family. an honor roll acknowledging gifts of $2,500 or more will be maintained in the library.
Gifts in past years include:
- 1916 Hannah Brown Library Fund, in memory of her father, Capt. Jesse F. Baker
- 1937 Betsy Freeman Library Fund, in memory of her father, Capt. Richard R. Freeman and her nephew, Richard R. Freeman, Jr., (lost at sea on the Lusitania)
- 1965 Josephine Baker Library Fund
- 1967 John Hopkins Baker library Fund
- 1968 Alice Belding Library Fund
- 1973 Albert Blakeslee Library Fund
- 1986 Priscilla M. O'Brien Library Fund
- 1989 Anthony Bragazzi Library Trust
- 1997 David E. Scherman Library Fund
- 2000 Jean Goodsitt Stearns Fund
- 2012 Martin Nerber Library Fund
Many corporations match charitable gifts dollar for dollar made by present and former employees. Persons wishing to make a contribution to the library should check with their personnel department to determine whether the company has such a policy.
Volunteers: The Library has always received important support from volunteers to help with such tasks as:
- Shelving books
- Rearranging misplaced books (shelf reading)
- Repairing damaged books