DARTMOUTH — The new North Dartmouth Library branch hasn't officially opened yet but the state-of-the-art facility got an early housewarming gift: A $25,000 donation from The Friends of the Dartmouth Libraries.
On Tuesday, Sept. 3, FODL presented Lynne Antunes, director of the Dartmouth libraries, with the funds to help support the new branch, which will replace the Tucker Road site which has closed. FODL raises funds through membership dues, book sales and donations to benefit the libraries and sponsors a wide range of cultural, educational, social, health and well-being programs, a news release said.
“Lynne has been planning this new branch for over a decade,” said Mary Ellis, FODL Board President from 2012- 2016, in the release. “So, each year we set aside some funds, knowing this day would come.”
The Children’s Room of the new Cross Road branch will be named for The Friends of the Dartmouth Libraries and its members.
“It’s a great way to honor their commitment to our community and its future,” Antunes said in the release. FODL’s donation will also be reflected on the branch Donor Recognition Wall.
“This gift was made possible by our members and donors, as well as the volunteers and patrons of our book sales,” said Barbara Scotti, the current FODL Board President, also in the release. “We’re looking forward to expanding our programs to the new facility and to more easily reach out to all of the Dartmouth community.”
The Friends sponsor the library’s children’s and teen’s summer and holiday programs and programs such as Patron Select, the Molly Little Film Series, an annual Museum trip and other local author, special travel, entertainment and history presentations and discussions for children and adults.
They also provide passes for area museums and parks including Edaville, Buttonwood Park Zoo, New England and Mystic Aquariums, Boston Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Science, Boston Children’s Museum, and Plimoth Plantation.
Anyone can join FODL and support the Dartmouth libraries. Applications are available on the Southworth Library website, at the libraries’ main desks and at all Friends’ sponsored events. Amazon shoppers can also support FODL by using AmazonSmile and selecting the FODL charitable organization.
Contact fodl.libraries@gmail.com for more information.