Friends of the Amesbury Public Library Pay Off Fines for 32 Library Patrons

Amesbury – For the fourth year in a row, the Friends of the Amesbury Public Library raised funds to pay off patron’s outstanding bills at the Library. $515 was raised, which in turn paid the bills for 32 of Amesbury Library’s patrons. While the Amesbury Public Library does not have late fees for books, there are fines for lost or damaged items as well as late fees for DVDs and other digital media.

The Friends of the Amesbury Public Library is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to support Library programming and materials. Annually the Friends donate roughly $20,000 to the Library for Museum Passes, programs, events, materials, genealogy programs and more.

“Libraries are one of the last free, public institutions left in our communities. They are welcoming and open to everyone,” stated Katie Fawkes, President for the Friends. “Initiatives like our Circle of Friends fundraiser help ensure that everyone can continue to use and enjoy our Library and all of its services. While we don’t know who any of these patrons are, we do hope that they’ll come back to the Library now that their fines are paid off.”

“We appreciate the Friends group’s support across so many areas at the library, especially for coordinating this fundraiser to pay bills on patron accounts,” said Aimie Westphal, Director of the Amesbury Public Library. “This allows us to increase access to those who may have been blocked due to bills. The library is for everyone and this program helps support that mission.”

The Friends of the Amesbury Public Library raise funds through memberships, donations, fundraisers, and through their used bookshop, The Stacks. People are welcome to learn more at www.amesburylibraryfriends.org