Pawling Free Library Thanks the Community
By Susan Stone
When the Pawling Free Library sent out an SOS for support in their annual fundraising appeal, the Pawling Community answered the call. With unexpected expenses mounting due to necessary, mandated Covid-19 safety protocols, and the inability to hold the Annual Book Sale, (the fundraiser that closes budgetary gaps), the library board made the decision to let the community know that additional funds were needed to cover these overwhelming costs in this annual request for assistance.
As has always been the case, the community came together to offer help, and the board will now be able to utilize these funds to cover a significant portion of the costs of the huge increase in regular facility cleanings, as well as installation of a custom plexiglass partition at the check-out desk, which ensures the safety of library employees and community members who visit the library.
Amy Emke, new library board president stated, “We are so grateful to our Pawling community for their support throughout this pandemic! The donations to our annual appeal have been crucial for us to continue to provide services safely, helping us to fund additional cleaning costs and other supplies. We are also thankful for the letters we’ve received from our patrons, in which they’ve shared the positive impact the library has had for themselves and their children this year.”
With the increase in covid-19 infection within the community, the library has had to, once again, reassess operation hours and protocols. The community is encouraged to go to the library web site at pawlingfreelibrary.org for up-to-date information about building accessibility, operational changes and programming.
