Friends of Melrose Public Library Awarded a $100K Challenge Grant

 

(July 22, 2022) -- We're thrilled to announce that former Melrose resident Robert Hildreth has awarded Friends of the Melrose Public Library a $100,000 challenge grant. 

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“Growing up in Melrose in the sixties, I always felt the town was a great community and that the library was an important part of that community,” said Mr. Hildreth. “My Dad was head of the library board, and, after his death, my mom was a member of Friends of the Melrose Public Library helping to raise money for the wonderful bronze statue of the girl with a book in front of the library. Now, we can bring the library into the next century with a brand-new expansion. I hope that my matching challenge will invite many Melrosians to make a contribution to proselytize, to say ‘this is my library, this is my community.’”

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“The Friends are incredibly grateful to Mr. Hildreth for granting us $100,000, contingent on the Friends matching that amount,” said Dr. Kimberly Talbot, Friends Chairperson. “We look forward to working with the Melrose community to raise an additional $100,000 that will help us fund the library’s next chapter.”

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All money granted and matched will pay for the “extras” —including but not limited to technology, furnishings, programming, and innovation — that will help make the new Melrose Public Library world-class.

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Here are four ways that you can help us raise $100K

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DONATE to the Friends of the Melrose Public Library. Your gift is fully tax-deductible and will be matched, dollar for dollar!
Donate in any amount, quickly, easily, and securely: https://mplfriends.wixsite.com/mplfriends.

 

HOST a house party for fellow library lovers who want to learn more about the project and how their generous donations will be used. For information and to schedule, contact Katie Welch (katie@cplfound.org).

 

VOLUNTEER: The Friends need volunteers to help plan events, keep track of donations, send thank you notes, publicize events and donation opportunities, and generate fundraising ideas. All enthusiastic library supporters are welcome. Contact Christina Gagliano (christinagagliano@gmail.com).

SPREAD THE WORD: Talk to your friends and neighbors about the library project, and encourage them to get involved and make a donation.. “Like” Friends of the Melrose Public Library on social media and share our posts and updates.