April is a busy month for libraries, with National Library Week, Preservation Week, Money Smart Week, School Library Month, R.E.A.D. Day and so much more.
But notice that it all revolves around reading and libraries. Public library services are vital to communities.
Educational opportunities abound at your local library. No longer just a place where books are kept, they now provide access to technology, cultural and local community events, promote literacy, help job seekers, offer computer classes and so much more.
Houlton’s Cary Library was built between the years of 1903 and 1904. Funding was provided by the estate of Dr. George Cary as well as a $10,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie for the construction of the building. There is a marble plaque at the side entrance of the library that reads “Cary Library. Forever free to the citizens of Houlton. Founded by George Cary to promote the welfare of the people of his native town by a general diffusion of knowledge and the study of literature, and a tribute to the memory of Shepard Cary and Susan Cary, his father and mother.”
Cary Library’s mission is to strengthen the community by enhancing and contributing to individual knowledge and experiences, literacy development and lifelong learning through print, electronic resources, cultural activities, programs and services. This would not be possible without the foresight, dedication and generosity of library donors, as well as the continuing support of the Town of Houlton.
The library is run by an elected board of five trustees, each serving a term of five years. Bert Audette continues to serve as our technology adviser, visiting his native Houlton as time permits and always checking to make sure that the library provides the best possible technology service available for the community members. Library staff works hard to enable library patrons to have a pleasant visit helping them find a book, use a computer, assist in research or just recommend a good read.
The future of the library relies on many factors, funding from towns, volunteers and donations. Donations come in many forms, from materials, cash, appreciated securities, memorial donations, real estate, charitable gift annuity, Paypal or as a bequest in your will. Most libraries establish an endowment fund. Endowment fund giving takes many forms. A gift may reduce income tax obligations, reduce estate tax for heirs, and avoid capital gains on appreciated property.
Make a difference by ensuring a lasting legacy through planned giving. Cary Library’s Endowment Fund provides a lasting gift for the betterment of the community. A gift to the Endowment Fund remains intact and exists in perpetuity; only the income generated from the fund is used. This assures that the endowment gift will enhance and enrich the library experience for your community for generations to come.
For those who haven’t been to a local library lately, find time to stop in and visit. You may be surprised at the activity that you’ll find. Public libraries are in it for the long term, protecting your right to access of information, providing free services, including Internet, to all regardless of economic or social status. A library card opens a world of opportunity. “Behind every great community is a great library” is Cary Library’s theme this year for National Library Week.
