The Great Give May 2-3, 2017 – Letter from the Board of Trustees

Dear Friend,

As you may know, the Hagaman Library Operating budget is funded by the Town of East Haven.

However, as our town’s needs have grown over the years since Isaac Hagaman first donated the funds to establish our current building, the Library Board and Staff have identified several areas of need that go beyond our means to fund from our annual operating budget.
It may be surprising for some to learn, that even in the age of the internet, library services are more in demand than ever, as the building and staff evolve to service the public of the 21st century. Usage of the Hagaman Library is increasing.

We are currently addressing, as a priority, the replacement of our elevator, and the handicap accessibility of the original community room. Our original elevator is not wheelchair accessible, and when out of service limits patrons with any kind of walking difficulties to our lower level. The increase in library programs that has occurred over the years necessitates full access to the original community room , as scheduling programs has become increasingly difficult because of lack of access.

As we believe the funding for the capital improvements should be born, not solely by the town, but a partnership of state, town and private funding sources, the Library Board has established a capital improvements funding drive.

As a kickoff to our fundraising efforts, this year the East Haven Hagaman Library is participating in The Great Give® 2017, the premiere online giving event for nonprofits in the Greater New Haven region. For 36 hours, starting at 8 AM on May 2, 2017 and lasting until 8 PM on May 3, your charitable donation will make us eligible for thousands of dollars in prizes when you give to us through TheGreatGIve.org®. East Haven Hagaman Library will be competing for various matching prizes, including the most money raised, greatest number of individual donors, and the greatest number of new donors. Your donation will go a long way in helping us fund improvements that we need.

Sincerely and with thanks,

The Board of Trustees of Hagaman Library