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2008-2009 Annual Fund Drive

You don’t need us to tell you what a wonderful place the Athenaeum is and has been for almost 140 years. You already know that.

Our expenses, like yours, have gone up, primarily because of the high cost of fuel and utilities. Unlike the gas station or the supermarket, we cannot pass on these costs to our patrons. Most of our services, like library use, access to wireless internet connections, and the use of our computers are free to the public - amenities that mean more than ever during difficult economic times. Like you, we are scrutinizing our budget, seeking innovative solutions that save money without compromising the level of services that you have come to expect.

Our town is able to provide only twenty cents for each dollar it costs us to operate. We must, therefore, appeal to the generosity of our community and other friends to help us reach our income needs.

Now, as never before, we face extraordinary financial challenges. We are confident, however, that we will meet them. In fact, so high is our commitment to this beloved institution, that our twenty-member Board of Trustees has pledged a financial challenge to encourage you all to join them in support of the Athenaeum. The Board of Trustees will match any increase in donation from last year or any first-time donation up to $17,150. You can double the impact of your contribution by participating in this challenge.

We deeply appreciate your past and continuing support.