Donate

The original structure and materials for Hagaman Library were funded by a generous gift from Mr. Isaac Hagaman. It is believed that he was inspired to donate to the library by a gift of $1,000 made by his housekeeper, Mrs. Harriet Metcalf. Due to Harriet’s gift and the generosity it inspired, we were provided with a library that has served the town of East Haven for almost 100 years!

This spirit of giving continues to this day through generous donations from our community. Every donation, no matter how big or how small, can help shape the library and leave a lasting impression on our community for years to come. For those who would like to support Hagaman Library, a variety of programs are available:

  1. The Great Give: Donate during our annual, 36 hour giving event, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven. Your donations during this program have a chance to go even further by winning match funds and prizes! This year’s event will take place on May 7 and 8, 2025. To learn more, please visit our donation page: www.thegreatgive.org/organizations/east-haven-public-library
  2. Make a Donation: Donations of any amount are always accepted through PayPal. To donate by check, mail to: Hagaman Library, 227 Main Street, East Haven, CT 06512. Or visit us in person and tell us more about why you love your library while you’re here, we can’t wait to meet you!
  3. Adopt An Author: An excellent way to support your library while reading your favorite author’s newest books AND sharing your favorite author with the community! To enroll, you choose an author to sponsor. Whenever your author publishes a new book, the library places an order to add it to our collection. You are billed as the sponsor of the book (usually at a significant discount from retail!), and the book is placed on hold for you, so you can skip to the front of the line and borrow the book first! Your generosity is recognized with a bookplate inside every book you sponsor. To learn more, please contact our Community Services Librarian or complete the form here.
  4. The Tree of Knowledge: In 2012, Hagaman Library added a handicapped-accessible programming space on our lower level. Named the DeMayo Room after our most generous donors to the project, Eileen and Judge Anthony DeMayo, this space has been used for concerts, educational programs, and enrichment activities for all ages for over a decade! One feature that makes this room so special is The Tree of Knowledge, which features a mural painted by local students, with bronze leaves donated by members of our community. The Tree of Knowledge is a symbol dedicated to the intellectual, cultural and social lives of the people who love our library. To donate a leaf to the tree, contact the Library Director or complete and mail the form here.
  5.  Reading Garden: In 2009, Hagaman Library added a small garden in memory of Miss Carolyn Siedzik, who was our beloved Children’s Librarian from 1967-1973, then again from 1981-2008. This garden is meant to be a beautiful space to sit and read a book and enjoy the beauty of nature. Donations made to Miss Carolyn’s Garden will be used to maintain the garden or fund special garden-themed programs. To make a donation or volunteer your time beautifying the garden, please contact the Library Director.
  6. Become a Volunteer: The Friends of Hagaman Library is an all-volunteer organization that provides fundraisers and special help with programs throughout the year. Past fundraisers have included a fashion show, whist party, bake sale, book sale, Bingo, and more! Do you have an idea, a special talent to lend, or a willingness to help? We can’t wait to hear from you! Contact Mary Cacace to learn more at: 203-915-5869.
  7. Donate Books, Programs, or Bequests: If you have more specific questions about donating books, programs, estates or trusts, you can read more in the Gifts & Donations Policy, or reach out to the Library Director for more information.

Thank you to our amazing community of readers, learners, and thinkers for your ongoing, generous support. We appreciate every donation, no matter how big or how small. Thank you for being a part of Hagaman Library!