SWAMPSCOTT — The Board of Library Trustees discussed establishing a foundation for donations to the Swampscott Public Library during its meeting on Monday night.
Chair Neal DeChillo brought the subject to his peers’ attention after Library Director Jonathan Nichols gave the board an update on the cost of improvements the library is slated to get, including two new study pods, a redesign and repainting of the children’s room, and custom furniture.
DeChillo alluded to how the library’s last notable renovation, which took place approximately 30 years ago, was primarily funded through a donation from a resident. However, the library does not currently have an official foundation for accepting planned donations.
“I spoke with a Select Board member, and she said the town would have to establish some kind of policy about gifts, which they don’t have,” DeChillo said. “She thinks it would be pretty simple to do.”
He added that establishing a foundation might not be necessary now due to the funds provided by the town in the capital budget. However, Board member Johannah Morgen argued it would be beneficial to have one in place for future use.
“This is an older building, and there is heavy usage of the library. I’m wondering if what we want to be doing is looking 10 to 15 years forward and be putting together a building fund,” Morgen said.
Nichols agreed with Morgen, saying that creating a foundation would allow potential donors to better plan how and when they donate.
The Friends of the Swampscott Public Library is a nonprofit volunteer group that raises money for specific programming and events for the institution. However, Nichols emphasized the importance of differentiating it from a fund for large-scale renovation projects.
“I would not cross the streams,” Nichols said.
Nichols revealed that Tuesday, July 23 is the tentative date for a “soft opening” of the library’s new creative space titled “The Tank,” which includes numerous forms of technology such as a a 3D printer, laser cutters, a sewing machine, and computers equipped with design software.
“It’s going to be not necessarily a ‘come and make something’ night, it’s more to see the machines working,” Nichols explained. “The teens are chomping at the bit.”
