To the editor, (reprinted from the Ipswich Local News, January 14, 2025)
Participation in community is a selfless, gratifying endeavor.
Volunteering is necessary, partly due to the major disconnect between town/city budgets, and the “end user.” Given this, non-profits rise up to help.
The Rowley Public Library, over the last few years, has revamped its children’s programming, and grown to serve hundreds, giving them an alternative to screen time, and the hustle and bustle of busy, working caregivers.
This past summer reading program had over 1,800 attendees and tons of smiles!
The Friends of The Rowley Library (FOL) make it our mission to support and fund every request that comes through to us, spending upwards of $12,000/year directly towards children’s programming, supplies, storytellers, entertainers, prizes, food, drinks, snacks, and adult programming.
We’ve done book sales, cookie sales, basket raffles, chili cook-offs, plant sales, direct mail fundraising, and our “buy-a-leaf” donation tree.
I recall, in 2017, as I walked out of the library with my then 7 and 5 year olds, there was a sign that mentioned the FOL were headed for extinction.
I looked inward, just like I had when I began volunteering as a baseball coach, and knew I should help.
Now, eight years later, I ask that you look inward, and step up to continue the work.
I’ve made some great connections, and I plead with you to volunteer, come to a meeting, and, most importantly, help fund the next eight years of budget shortfalls, librarian requests, water fountain replacements, meeting room paint jobs, meeting room table replacements, office chair replacements, etc.
In my time as treasurer over these past eight years, the board has generated, through the graciousness of grants from various institutions, townspeople’s direct monetary donations, service donations, and fundraising efforts, over $240,000.
Please help continue this project, as it is never ending, and needs our townspeople to sustain, evolve, and grow.
The FOL meets bi-monthly on the first Wednesday of even months at 7 p.m., at the Rowley Library.
Drop us a note at friendsboard@rowleylibrary.org with any questions or comments, and come to our next meeting on Wednesday, February 5, at 7 p.m.
We are currently seeking board members. If you are interested in stepping up to help, please contact us today!
Stephen Markiarian, Treasurer
Friends of The Rowley Library
Help Us Grow Our Tree…Donate Today
If you would like to see your leaf on the tree, visit this link:
Each donor will have their name appear on a leaf of the tree on our new mural in recognition of your support. You can pay via PayPal or bring a check to the library made out to the Friends of the Rowley Library. Green leaves for individuals are $25. An orange family leaf is $50. And a gold top contributor leaf is $100. These donation leaves will replace our traditional membership.
Your support helps the library offer great programming and resources all year long!