The Friends of the Meaford Library kicked off the fundraising campaign for the new Meaford Public Library with a $50,000 commitment to the project. The group voted unanimously to make the contribution at its December 7, 2017 meeting.

"The Friends of the Meaford Library are looking forward to a new, accessible, modern library for our community," said Peter Bantock, President of the Friends. "We hope that this $50,000 commitment is the first of several that the Friends can make during the fundraising campaign and we encourage others to step forward with their donations."

Responding to news of this major pledge, Mayor Barb Clumpus commented, "The Friends of the Meaford Library do such a wonderful job supporting Library services in our community. It is so fitting to have them kick off this campaign, and their generous donation and hard work is very much appreciated."

For the last 25 years, the Friends of the Meaford Library (FOML) have supported the Meaford Public Library in a variety of ways. They have donated funds for the library to purchase new books and recently have paid for electronic equipment, digital services such as Hoopla, and generously sponsored author events. FOML are one of only a handful of Library Friends in this area and, during the last 10 years, have contributed over $100,000 to the Meaford Public Library.

With this long record of support of the Library and the news that Meaford Council had approved the new library, the Friends group agreed it was natural to take a lead role in the Fundraising Campaign for the new library.

FOML will be collecting donations and issuing charitable receipts for donations over $20. The official Fundraising Committee will be composed of FOML members and community volunteers. The advertisement for this role is on the Municipality's website at www.meaford.ca/appointments. Applications can also be picked up and dropped off at the library.

Library supporters are invited to donate to the Campaign by taking advantage of a year-end charitable donation and tax receipt for 2017. Cheques made out to the Friends of the Meaford Library can be dropped off at the library, or donate online at: https://friendsofmeafordlibrary.ca/the-campaign

The new Meaford Public Library will be a boon to both residents and visitors to the Municipality, providing the current excellent level of library services, programs, and resources in a completely accessible venue. Construction on the new library is estimated to begin in early 2019.

source: media release, Friends of the Meaford Library