Our Mission

ELF was founded to support the Edgartown Free Public Library, whether for the physical facility, supplies and equipment, or the various programs and services offered to the public.  Our Mission is described in our By Laws, as follows:

The Edgartown Library Foundation was founded for the purpose of soliciting, accepting and raising public support and funds to be used for the renovation, expansion, enrichment, maintenance, and benefit of the Edgartown Free Public Library, including the structural preservation and expansion of historic buildings to be used as and in connection with the Edgartown Free Public Library; and to conduct such activities and programs in furtherance of the foregoing purposes, as may be carried out by an Organization organized under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 180, Section 4, as amended, and described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. 

In connection with, and to further the objective of this Organization, this Organization may purchase, lease, acquire by gift, devise or bequest or otherwise acquire personal or real property; solicit and/or receive donations, gifts, grants and otherwise raise monies for the purposes set forth herein.  No portion of the income of the Organization shall inure to the benefit of any officer, individual member, if any or Director of the Organization.

 

Projects Supported

Each year we ask the Library Director for a “Wish List” of items that cannot be obtained through the funds in the Town’s annual operating budget set aside for the Library’s operation.  In 2011 the Library presented us with this list.

  1. Self Check-Out Station
  2. Children’s Literacy Station
  3. Microsoft Surface Table
  4. Adult Computer Classes
  5. Summer Programming & Classes
  6. Music & Civic Series
  7. Database Training
  8. eBooks Training
  9. Additional Shelving & Seating
  10. VTA Bus Pass Program for Library Visitors
  11. Small Refrigerator with Freezer
  12. Canopy for Outdoor Events
  13. Printed Banners & Screen for Programs
  14. Blackout Curtains for Basement Windows (for movie and Wii viewing)
  15. Speaker System for Movies & Wii Programs

 

Events

Each year we host or co-host a number of events that raise awareness and funds for the Library and its Wish List.  These include:

A Tour of Italy Event – Wine and Cheese with raffle prizes.  Tickets are required to attend and most items are donated, including the wine, cheese and raffle prizes.  Held in February, it’s a popular social event that offers an opportunity to talk about the latest happenings at the Library and we raise money as well!

Legacy of Learning – This annual summer event honors an individual who has made a positive life-long impact on Edgartown, learning, and the Library.  Feted at a luscious brunch, past honorees are: Edo Potter, Ted Morgan and   .  An essay contest is another important component of this event, involving the students of the Edgartown School.  The winners’ essays are displayed and read aloud to the audience and prizes are awarded.   A Raffle of donated items, as well as a Silent Auction, are other aspects of this major ELF fundraising event.  2012 will be the event’s 4th year. 

The We Love Our Library Event – held on Labor Day at the Katama Airport this family fun event is packed with activities and good old American cookout goodies.  2011 welcomes the Friends and representatives from the Library’s Board of Trustees as organizational participants and co-sponsors.

New Events in the Works
ELF is working and planning a calendar of events that raise awareness, participation and funds for the Library.   The Friends and Board of Trustees are collaborating with ELF and events may include house tours, garden tours, golf tournaments, library card sign-up drives, lecture series, etc.  2012 should be an exciting year!


Who We Are

Our current Board consists of nine members, who have been invited to join and must be voted into acceptance.  Terms are

Current Board Members
Susan L. Cahoon – Chair – email: slcahoon@gmail.com
Anne Vose – Co-Chair
Janet Aldeborgh – Treasurer
Heather Cohan – Secretary
Jennifer Marlin – Assistant Treasurer
Debby Rosenthal – Member at Large
Charlotte Hall – Member at Large
Ellen Kaplin – Member at Large
Susan Stevens – Member at Large

Former Board Members

Gwyn (Baba) Smyth – Former Chair
Pat Rose
Margot Salisbury

 

Mailing Address:

 

 


Volunteering

We welcome anyone who would like to volunteer for any of the events we sponsor during the year.  Please contact our volunteer coordinator,

 


Photo Gallery

Legacy of Learning Event 2011
Donations

(On-line donation capability).