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Hopkinton Public Library Foundation Formed to Support Library Expansion - First Fundraiser Jan. 22

By Michelle Murdock, Freelance Writer

Founded in September of 2011, the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation announced today that it is the newly formed non-profit entity designed to support the Hopkinton Public Library. As stated in a press release dated January 4, 2012, the Foundation will spearhead efforts to raise private funds for the expansion and state-of-the-art renovation of the library, pending the receipt of a Library Construction Grant from the state and the subsequent approval from the Town of Hopkinton.

The Hopkinton Public Library Foundation is led by a Board of Directors comprised of eight Hopkinton volunteers including Scott Richardson, John Ferrari, Laura Barry, Ron Eldridge, Katie Davenport, Amy Montalto, Joe Markey and Lindsay McDermott. Ex Officio board members include Rownak Hussain, Director of the Hopkinton Public Library, Christine Clifford and Mike McNamara, representing the Hopkinton Public Library Board of Trustees.

To begin its fundraising efforts, the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation will host a Mother and Daughter Princess Tea at the Westborough Doubletree Inn, on Sunday, January 22, from 2pm to 4pm. The event will include live performances by Disney's Belle, Cinderella and Rapunzel as well as a sundae bar, specialty pastries, tea and light refreshments. Tickets are $35 per person, of which 70% is tax deductible, and are available by contacting Lindsay McDermott at Lindsay.mcdermott@yahoo.com

The total cost of the new library is estimated at $10.2 million. In July 2011, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MLBC) awarded a $4.5 million grant to the Town of Hopkinton for the planned expansion and renovation of the current library building, but the money is not expected to be available until the year 2014 or later. In the meantime, through their fundraising efforts, the Foundation's goal is to further reduce the town's portion of the cost of the new library.

The newly formed Foundation will join the existing Library Board of Trustees and the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library to support the Hopkinton Public Library and while all three groups provide critical library support, their focus is slightly different. The Hopkinton Public Library Foundation exists to address long-term library funding needs such as facility renovations, expansion and resource enhancements. The Friends of the Library is a non-profit membership organization that supports the immediate needs of the library through activities such as the library book sales and its annual apple crisp sale at the Polyarts Festival. According to the press release, both groups provide financial support to enhance, but not replace, the Town's budget. And finally, the Hopkinton Public Library Board of Trustees, consisting of five elected members, oversees the public administration and management of the library on behalf of the Town.

After the expansion is completed, the Foundation will continue to provide ongoing funding for long-term responsive programs for children, teens and adults. According to the press release, the Foundation's goal is to make the Hopkinton Public Library "the educational and cultural center of Hopkinton, offering all residents enhanced access to information, entertainment and knowledge through materials, programs and cutting-edge technology."

If you are interested in learning more about the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, or would like to volunteer, please contact the Foundation at info@hopkintonpubliclibraryfoundation.org.

To view a virtual plan of the new library, visit the library website.