Library Friends raise $25,000 for new North Dartmouth branch

The soon to open North Dartmouth Library is getting a big boost. The Friends of the Dartmouth Libraries presented a $25,000 donation to support the new library on September 3.

The organization raised the money through membership dues, book sales, and donations to benefit the libraries. 

 “Lynne has been planning this new branch for over a decade,” says Mary Ellis, FODL Board President from 2012- 2016. “So, each year we set aside some funds, knowing this day would come.”  

The children’s room of the new library will be named in recognition of the organization and its members, and the FODL will be honored on the library’s Donor Recognition Wall. 

 “It’s a great way to honor their commitment to our community and its future,” Lynne Antunes said. 

The Children’s Room of the new Cross Road branch will be named for The Friends of the Dartmouth Libraries and its members.

“This gift was made possible by our members and donors, as well as the volunteers and patrons of our book sales,” says Barbara Scotti, the current FODL Board President. “We’re looking forward to expanding our programs to the new facility and to more easily reach out to all of the Dartmouth community.” 

In addition to the donation, the FODL also sponsors a wide range of cultural, educational, social, health and well-being programs.  

That includes 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. 

It 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. 

FODL membership applications are available at 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.