The library locks its doors ten minutes prior to closing for security reasons.

State of the Library

At the present time, we are waiting for notification from the Board of Library Commissioners relating to our certification status.

On January 3rd our Library Director, our Associate Librarian, the Chair of our Board of Trustees, and the Town Accountant met with the BLC in Boston to request a waiver of certification criteria.  This was our fifth request for a waiver.

In previous years, our status was compromised by a reduction in funding which resulted in our hours being reduced from the required 63 to 52 hours weekly.  In October of 2007 we were more severely impacted by a further reduction in funding.  This resulted in a cut-back of hours to only 15 weekly.

The BLC is considering our request and a decision will be made on February 6th.  We expect to be notified soon after.  It is highly unlikely that a fifth waiver will be granted.

At that point, Bridgewater patrons will no longer be eligible to borrow materials from other libraries.  We will no longer be able to apply for state aid to libraries.  And we will no longer be allowed to apply for state grants.

If you would like to help the Bridgewater Public Library

You can make a donation to the LIBRARY GIFT ACCOUNT.  Checks should be made payable to:    

                                Town of Bridgewater/Bridgewater Public Library
                                In the memo space, please write:  Library Gift Account
                                Your check may be hand delivered or mailed to:
                                Bridgewater Public Library, 15 South St., Bridgewater, MA 02324

Donated money will be used to fund the following items, as needed throughout the year:
                                Books and materials
                                Printer cartridges
                                Library supplies
                                Replacement computers and printers
                                Magazine and newspaper subscription renewals, as they come due
                                General operating expenses, including building maintenance
                                CD rack    
                                And more...

If you have questions, you may call Elizabeth Gregg, Library Director, at 508-697-3331 during regular library hours.

Your donation is tax deductible.                    
                                

Friends Board -- Call for Leadership

The Friends are looking for a new membership chairperson to replace Andrea Dubay.

They are also looking for people to help with fundraising activities.

If you would like to be part of this vital group of library supporters, please contact Tina Larson at 508-697-2459 or email Mary O'Connell, FOL staff liaison, at moconnel@sailsinc.org/

We are very grateful for the continued support of the Friends and for their belief in a better future for the library.

Thanks--            
---to the George Mitchell Elementary School classes who have organized a Reading Fundraiser for the benefit of the Public Library.  The fundraiser is ongoing from Jan. 14 to Feb. 11.

The goal is to show the children the importance of giving to others which also motivating them to read.

And a special thanks to Lisa Ohman who played a big part in planning and organizing this project.  Lisa is a teacher at the GMES.