We have a brand new library! Why would I need to donate?

The Norwell Public Library comprises only 1% of the annual Town of Norwell budget. This covers all the library’s operations. With the failure of the recent override, that budget will decrease by roughly 9%, meaning:

• no more Sunday hours

• inadequate funding for new material acquisition

• less programming 

With every Town department competing for fewer dollars, the Library falls to the bottom of the priority list behind schools, police, fire, highway, and other essential services.

Our “new” library is fast approaching 5 years old, and capital investment needs are on the horizon.

Please join us as we invest in this spectacular community resource: a state-of-the-art facility and welcoming space for all, that offers patrons so much more than just books.

How does the NPLF relate to the Friends?

The Friends of the Norwell Public Library is its own 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that raises funds to support annual programs and activities not covered by the NPL’s yearly budget (such as Mama Steph and museum passes). The Friends run the small used books bookstore in the library to raise the majority of their funds.

The Norwell Public Library Foundation focuses not on programming, but on funding long-term capital expenses such as:

• updated technology

• scheduled building wear-and-tear costs

• security and communication upgrades