Questions About Giving

What is the Difference between the Wellesley Free Library and the Wellesley Free Library Foundation?

The Wellesley Free Library, originally established in 1883 through the generosity of Horatio Hollis Hunnewell, is a traditional suburban public library.  The main library and two branches serve as centers of the Town and provide lending materials, reference services, literacy support, and a wide range of programs and training courses.  The WFL is an integral part of the Wellesley community.

The Library Trustees established the WFL Foundation in 2008 to serve as the main supporting organization of the Library.  The sole purpose of the WFL Foundation is to raise private funds from individuals and organizations to supplement core funding from tax dollars.  These additional dollars help maintain the high level of service that the Wellesley community has come to expect from its Library.

Why does the Library need private contributions?  Don't my taxes support the Library?

Prudent use of funding from the Town allows the WFL to fulfill its basic mission -- to provide free and convenient access to information. Most of the Library's budget goes toward core services including salaries and operating costs, not programs or collections.  Much of what you see, use, and borrow at the WFL is paid for with private donations  -- including programs, our enhanced collection, museum passes, the self-check machine, and more.

There is no community resource as necessary to the growth of our citizens as the Wellesley Free Library, and no other institution that will benefit more from your support.

What is the difference between the Annual Fund and the Endowment Fund?
The Annual Fund provides funds for projects and programs in the current fiscal year.  The Endowment Fund helps to ensure the long-term financial security and integrity of the Library.

Does the Library have a large endowment?
The WFL Foundation is new, so there is not a large endowment.  We need the help of Wellesley residents and WFL users to grow the endowment so that it can be used to enhance the Library in a variety of ways and preserve its longterm integrity.

Why is my charitable contribution important?
Your contribution is not only important -- it is essential.  The WFL is critical community resource -- our circulation and usage are extraordinarily high, especially in the current economy.  Excellent library services are extremely important to the quality of life in Wellesley, now more than ever.  The WFL is an extraordinary resource for each and every resident of Wellesley, and we need your help to keep the WFL the best library it can be. 


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