On Sunday, April 26, Friends of the Newton Library, Trustees, Library staff and patrons, gathered in the lobby to celebrate the annual presentation of the Friends check, which helps to pay for the Library’s many services. In accepting the $12,000 check, Jean Notis-McConarty, President of the Library’s Board of Trustees, said, “We couldn’t do everything without you,” adding that Marissa LaRosa ran the Boston Marathon raising in addition more than $10,000 for the Friends. Ms. LaRosa is the first Marathon runner who raced to benefit the Newton Free Library.
Friends have been contributing to the Library for more than 46 years, with support from businesses such as The Village Bank, private donors, and activities such as mini golf, ongoing sales of used books, and Friends book bags. The money pays for a range of projects including artwork and shelving for the Library of Things.
Alice Fink, President of the Trustees, described some of the items in the Library of Things such as a laminator and a mobile hotspot. Among its many free services, the Library offers printing and English language tutoring. Ms. Fink explained that the library continues its leadership as the busiest single library in the Minuteman system, and the Library benefits from support by the city, state and individuals. Underscoring the Library’s appeal, Ms. Fink noted that on the Saturday before the large snowstorm in January, people besieged the shelves to fortify themselves for the wintry onslaught.
