Trustees: In Eliot, ME, Please support the William Fogg Library budget

The William Fogg Library had to overcome some challenges at the start of 2023, but quickly moved forward and began bringing new activities, projects and ideas to our patrons and the community.

Since January 2023, much has been accomplished. Here is a quick summary and notes on our future plans:

Staffing: We have a dynamic staff that has already brought in fresh ideas and programs to patrons, and has relaunched popular activities that had been dropped or were on hiatus. The new staff positions are also realigned to better serve the library, such as adding an adult services coordinator.

Hours: The library is not only back to regular hours, we are back to expanded hours, with the return of an evening slot. We will add a second evening this fall. Patrons have wanted evening hours and this allows us to offer more adult and teen programs, accommodate working patrons, and add an evening book club, which will debut in the fall.

Programming: Groups are meeting at the library and regular programming has returned, including an afternoon book club. The library will offer its first Plein Air art event this summer, and we have 20 programs on tap for summer and fall to date, with topics ranging from search and rescue dogs to astronomy and photography.

Children's programming is also going full speed with popular programs by children's book authors, Center for Wildlife, and an amazing Star Wars event which featured the First Legion of Storm Troopers and Kylo Ren. A butterfly expert and fun summer reading adventure are next up, and a cool bat experience will be heading this way for fall! Storytimes, Lego Club and Dungeons & Dragons Club are all full.

The library is also working on a new program model which has staff providing a draft program plan for the next year at the end of the current year. This allows us to promote any programs that need funding to possible sponsors well ahead of when we want the programs scheduled. This model is successfully used by area elementary schools as well as other libraries.

We have successfully connected with many free program opportunities, which allows us to greatly expand our offerings.

Events: 2023 kicked off with the return of the Friends popular chocolate sale, which raised more than $700 in one morning for the library. Next up was the return of the book sale and Dr. Fogg Birthday celebration, and a Paddington Bear Children's Tea. This summer, we will introduce our Fairy House event, which will include workshops on creating these wee homes and a magical fairy evening. The Trustees hosted a haunted happening at the Fogg House in October which saw more than 150 children and adults enjoy Halloween fun. This will return this fall along with our much-missed Victorian Tea, and a gingerbread house/holiday event.

Technology: Thanks to innovative support from Justin Mayrand, our computer expert, the library has completely overhauled all of its technology — both at the library and the Fogg House. This upgrade was badly needed as most tech was inefficient, outdated or not working. The new setup has tech safely and securely integrated into the library, is faster and easier to use, and cost-effective, with savings already being achieved.

Books and materials: At this writing, more than 200 new books have been added to replenish and rejuvenate the adult fiction and non-fiction sections with more acquisitions planned. The library is also bringing back the classics, and each month will promote a famous author.

Website: The library just launched its revamped website which is colorful, dynamic and easy to use. Everything going on at the library is showcased on the site and patrons can still use familiar platforms to check catalogue, or reserve and renew books. Visit the site to see all that is going on!

Green & Beautiful Campaign: The library also launched this effort to restore the gardens and grounds of the library in time for the 125th anniversary. The campaign also seeks to make the library an ecological ambassador with plantings that support wildlife, pollinators and aid in fighting against climate change. There will also be workshops on activities that support our natural world and every aspect of the plantings will provide a teachable opportunity. The library will soon announce sponsorship, gift and memorial opportunities regarding the improvements to the grounds.

Revenue streams: The trustees are dedicated to developing new revenue streams for the library. The library cannot grow and thrive as it should without additional, significant funding coming in from sources other than the trust and the town. The library needs to replenish the funds taken from the trust, and should add to the trust. To that end, the library will be embarking on a multi-pronged effort to increase funding. These efforts include grant writing, consulting with a professional fundraiser, and exploring ways to have the Fogg House contribute more to the library, whether being used as a venue space, as a space for some paid programming, or for tours. We are also reassessing plans for the new wing so that it can be better designed to provide revenue streams. In addition, the library will be launching an endowment campaign, something earlier trustees discussed but did not implement. This campaign will allow the library to better secure its future. The campaign will include corporate funding, bequests, private gifts, pledges and other support efforts. Information will soon be posted on our website and available at the library. The library wil continue to host fundraising events.

Summary: We are committed to making the library a place of education, entertainment, and enrichment for the entire community and look forward to growing our relationship with all community partners. Thank you for your continued support!

Ann Shisler and Crystal Kent are William Fogg Library trustees in Eliot, Maine.