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EXCITING MATCHING GIFT OPPORTUNITY FOR THE KENT MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Press Release 5/27/20
(Kent, Connecticut) – Because of Covid 19, the Kent Memorial Library Board of Directors has reluctantly concluded that it must cancel its three longstanding summer fundraisers—the annual benefit, outdoor book sale and car raffle, resulting in lost net revenue of $120,000.
The Library is grateful for the ongoing support of the community. Library Board Member Betty Ruddy and Investment Committee Chair Ned Babbitt are pleased to announce that they are responding to this significant financial challenge by offering to match, dollar for dollar, any gift for operating expenses made between now and September 1, 2020, up to a total of $60,000. That means that each dollar donated is worth two to the Library for a total of $120,000 if their match is met.
Those interested in contributing to the Match can visit the Library’s website to make a donation or make a gift via check payable to the Kent Library Association, PO Box 127, Kent, CT 06757.
“The Board feels that holding its summer fundraising events would pose too many risks to our volunteers, attendees, staff and patrons, and with continually fluctuating state restrictions, it isn’t prudent to incur costs for events we may not be allowed to hold,” Board Member Betty Ruddy reports. “The uncertain state of the economy also means our other sources of revenue might be negatively affected,” she continues.
Library Director Sarah Marshall remarked, “The staff has shown incredible resilience and flexibility in working to meet the needs of our patrons and keeping them connected during this crisis.” The Library is now open for Curbside pick-up and drop off and the staff look forward to welcoming our patrons back into the building later in the summer. In the meantime, the Library remains a cultural center of Kent’s very diverse community. It continues to conduct many of its activities virtually, including a variety of programs and activities for both children and adults. It has also significantly enhanced its streaming services for music, video, e-books, and audio books.
The Kent Memorial Library’s mission is to enrich the lives of individuals and the community by providing materials, programs, and services to encourage reading, learning and imagination. The Kent Memorial Library is located at 32 North Main Street, Kent, Connecticut, 860-927-3761. Visit kentmemoriallibrary.org for more information.