Rangeley Public Library annual fundraising drive underway

RANGELEY — The Rangeley Pubic Library has started its annual fund drive, seeking support from area residents as well as seasonal visitors.

The library is a private non-profit organization, but even with town and plantation municipal contributions that it receives through local taxes, the RPL organization still has the daunting task of raising, on its own, about half of what is needed just to keep the library up and running.

Throughout the year ongoing fundraisers such as the Book and Bake Sale, the Pies and Prose and Plants sale, the Gala, money from the sale of the local phone book and the spaghetti supper help with this goal, but it is still the individual contributions from supporters within the community, both year-round and seasonal, that represent the bulk of the all-important fundraising dollars.

The much-needed tax-deductible contributions received at this time are not used to cover the “extras” only. They are essential components of the library’s budget, paying for heat, staff salaries, book purchases and programs, as well as maintenance and operation of the building. Grant writing is always on-going and increasingly competitive; when the library is fortunate enough to receive grant funds, those dollars are usually restricted in use, paying for special programs or to purchase specific equipment and technology.

Checks can be mailed to Rangeley Public Library, P.O. Box 381, Rangeley, ME 04970, or through PayPal by going to the website at www.rangeleylibrary.com, and clicking on the sixth tab on the left hand side labeled “Make a Donation.”