The Goodnow Library Permanent Fund
“Libraries are the beating hearts of our communities.”
–The New York Times
The Goodnow Library Permanent Fund: Securing the Library’s Future
In 2019, the Goodnow Library Foundation’s Board of Directors established the Goodnow Library Permanent Fund to provide a long-term foundation for funding the Library’s strategic priorities – from facilities refurbishment, to technology upgrades, to other programming and services not covered by the Town’s budget. As Sudbury’s use of the Library has continued to evolve and grow over recent years, that public funding gap has persisted. As such, we are taking steps today to strengthen the Goodnow Library Permanent Fund to ensure the Library’s needs are more fully met for years to come.
The Goodnow Library: A Resource for a Changing World
The Goodnow Library of today is dramatically different from even just a decade ago. Technology innovation and the community’s evolving needs and desires are driving demand for more advanced services and reimagined spaces. Beyond being a place to check out a book and meet friends, the Library has become an essential community hub offering technology resources, study and work spaces, programs and classes for all ages, and a vast array of educational resources.
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The Town of Sudbury’s budgeted funds for the Goodnow Library have not kept up with these evolving demands, especially in recent years of high inflation. The Town’s budgeted yearly increase does not cover the cost of enhancements, such as expanding virtual and digital offerings or offering additional programs and services for the Town’s expanding population.
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Through generous donations from supporters, the Goodnow Library Foundation, together with Library staff, have raised funds that partially fill the gap. To maintain and extend the Library’s tradition of excellence, additional, long-term community support is crucial.
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The Goodnow Library Foundation: Proven Impact
The Goodnow Library Foundation was founded in 2008 and today is the only nonprofit organization solely committed to advocacy and fundraising on behalf of the Library. In its 15 years of existence, the Foundation has raised and transferred more than $500,000 to the Library for renovations, refurbishments, technology, programming, and community events and activities. With a commitment to wise financial stewardship and dedication to the mission and priorities of the Goodnow Library, the Foundation works collaboratively with the Library’s Board of Trustees and Director to complement the Town’s budget and ensure the Library has the funding it needs to meet the needs of the Sudbury community.
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Through the Goodnow Library Permanent Fund, the Foundation will work with the community and its generous residents to sustainably address the Library’s long-term needs, with the goal of maintaining the Goodnow Library’s recognition as one of the top libraries in the state. The Foundation is seeking individual donations and will be rolling out a planned giving program to provide supporters and donors with additional gift options in the near future.
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How Can You Help?
As a valued member of our community, we invite you to help us build a lasting legacy for the Goodnow Library, the heart of our Sudbury community. For ways to make a difference, please contact the Foundation at info@goodnowlibraryfoundation.org or (978) 440-5562.
Thank you!
We appreciate your support as we grow
the Goodnow Library Permanent Fund for the future.