About the Wellesley Free Library Foundation
The Wellesley Free Library Foundation was established by the Library Trustees in 2008 to serve as the main supporting organization of the Library. Working in partnership with the Library’s Administration and Trustees as well as its other supporting organization, the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries, the Foundation encourages private philanthropy on behalf of the Wellesley Free Library. This strong public/private partnership builds support for the many enriched opportunities and special endeavors, both current and future, that make the Wellesley Free Library such an outstanding community resource.
Until 2014, when it merged with the Library Foundation, the Centennial Fund provided private support to the Library in the form of a permanent endowment. Now as part of the Library Foundation, this endowment continues to provide for expansion to the Library’s collections in the form of new databases, evolving materials formats and expanded reference materials. Six targeted funds within the former Centennial Fund endowment continue to enrich the Library in the ways intended by their original donors. In addition to the general use Centennial Funds, these funds are: The Reynolds Staff Development Fund; the Marryott Music Fund; the Wilkins Economic History, Finance and Investment Fund; the Hinchliffe Military History Fund; and the Kellogg Library Enhancement Fund.
In recent years, approximately 15-20% of the Library’s budget has come from private fundraising, all of which is used to enhance our library in ways that town dollars cannot provide.
Current funding initiatives include: Support of programs and equipment in the Jackie’s Room Technology Education Lab; School Outreach; Wellesley ESL (English as a Second Language); and the Fells Branch Library.
Mission Statement
The Wellesley Free Library Foundation is a private, 501(c)(3) corporation supporting the mission of the Wellesley Free Library. Our goal is to enrich, not replace, traditional tax-based support for the Library through gifts, grants, and bequests from individuals and organizations, while reinforcing the need for continued and increased public support for the Library. The Foundation spearheads major fundraising efforts to bridge the gap between the community’s aspirations for its library and assets available from municipal budgets.
Donate
Donate to the Wellesley Free Library Foundation online instantly and hassle-free or send your donations by mail and make check payable to the Wellesley Free Library Foundation and send to:
Michelle Harris
Director of Development
530 Washington Street
Wellesley, MA 02482
781.235.1610 x 1127
michelle_harris@wellesleyfreelibraryfoundation.org
Development Office
781.235.1610 x 1127
rosemary_gaffney@wellesleyfreelibraryfoundation.org
Financial Statements
The Library Foundation’s 990s are available on the IRS website.
The 2021-2022 Impact Report
Click here to read our 2021-2022 Impact Report “Transforming The Library We Love”