Graves Library Annual Appeal Letter – 2025-2026

Dear Friends,

Greetings from the Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library. As you have certainly experienced, this historic and treasured library is home to more than books. It is a center for the community. On any given day you might find a chess club, knitting group, book club, or author event. You will meet visitors discovering the used-book cellar with delight and parents exploring the children’s room of their childhood with little ones of their own. And everywhere you will find friendships and opportunities.

Your support makes this possible.

As we begin this year’s Annual Appeal, we wanted to tell you about a new way in which your generosity benefits the community. Miss Terri has created a Sensory Group for adults with special needs in partnership with community families. For young adults like Cal Mahoney, who grew up going to Graves Library, the program is a rare opportunity for enrichment in a familiar and supportive space. His mom Betsey said the reading, movement, humor, and patience, as well as a social connection, are so fulfilling she and her son “walk on air” as they leave.

With Mary-Lou’s retirement after an extraordinary tenure as library director and the welcoming of the new library director Loretta Swift, we uphold our commitment to honoring our foundation as we grow into the future. We are deeply grateful to report that we met our annual goal last year and ask for your help achieving it again. This year we have a goal of $125,000 to keep up with rising costs and restoring employee benefits. Every dollar raised sustains the programs, resources, and engagement our community depends on. Your gift to this year’s appeal will help ensure that this small but mighty library continues to thrive, evolve, and inspire. Thank you for your generosity.

With Sincere Appreciation,

Michael Donaghy, President, Board of Trustees

Sarah Vander Schaaff, Vice President, Board of Trustees