Hey Joey – I’m wearing a different hat this afternoon: perhaps you can post our Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Library 2014 Annual Appeal notice & invitation on GMG, when you think the time is right, before the year is over, so folks can still get their tax deductions ! The “Wordle” or “Word Cloud” was generated by the audience at our Annual Meeting in October, and reflects views of what our library will be in the future (Notice the large “AC” for Air Conditioning, next to “Welcoming”, and “Accessible”….).
Best,
Scott
Citizens of Gloucester,
You likely are aware that 2014 has been a time of progress at your Library. There’s much that’s new, and more to come. I am writing now to ask you to help us maintain the momentum by supporting our annual appeal.
The most visible change is the John and Dorothy Rando Memorial Garden and Amphitheater and its surrounding gardens and plantings, ready for events as soon as weather permits. A new parking lot awaits you, too, with easy access from School Street. Your visits to the library are more convenient now, with self-service checkout available at the circulation desk and a handy book drop-off box in the parking lot. Many thanks to the Friends of the Library for both these service improvements.
In addition to all the physical changes, there have also been changes in our staff as we thanked retiring Library Director Carol Gray for her 16 years of faithful service and welcomed Deborah Kelsey in September as our new Library Director. Deborah brings unusual energy, vision, and expertise to her new role. She is a past President of the New England Library Association and has held leadership positions at libraries in communities as diverse as Framingham and Medfield.
Look for more changes to come, as well, driven by the strategic plan developed collaboratively by community members, the Library’s Board of Directors and the staff. One project already under consideration: a complete revamp of our heating and ventilation systems, including adding air conditioning.
Whatever the amount, your gift to the Sawyer Free Library is much like a good book – it will have lasting impact and enrich the lives of many. I hope you will join me in adding your contribution to the bookshelf, knowing that your gift is an offering to our community. Thank you for your consideration.
With thanks,
R. Scott Memhard, President
Board of Directors, Sawyer Free Library
P.S. Attached to this sheet is a “Wordle”, or word cloud, created from a list of words that came out of the recent Annual Meeting; attendees were asked to describe their vision of Sawyer Free Library in the days and years to come. The size of the word in the pattern reflects the frequency with which it appears on the list.