"It was early a much cherished purpose of mine to place at the disposal of the citizens of this town, in my lifetime, a Free Public Library.... To-night it gives me profound satisfaction and sincere pleasure to present to you and to your children, and to all who may come after you, the free use of this building and its contents."
November 1871. Remarks by Horace Fairbanks, the Founder of the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum and Art Gallery at the library's Official Opening and Dedication Ceremony
A variety of sources of income support the Athenaeum: local taxes, charitable support, investments, and other sources including fees, fines, museum shop sales and tours. There are a number of ways to become involved:
The Annual Fund
The Annual Fund provides funds to support the general operating budget of the Athenaeum. You can download the Annual Fund donor card and mail it to us with your donation. Mail should be sent to 1171 Main St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
Friends of the Athenaeum
What is a Friend?
One that favors or promotes something - Webster’s 9th New Collegiate Dictionary
Favorer, well-wisher, advocate - Roget’s International Thesaurus
The Friends of the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum consists of people such as you, who value the Athenaeum’s library and art gallery as a rich community resource. Here is an opportunity to support the organization by donating your time and talent in a variety of ways; along with providing necessary financial support. We hope that you will join us in this important endeavor so that we can continue to help the Athenaeum in many ways.
Library membership will be extended to Devoted Friends ($15.00) and Best Friends ($25.00 or more) who renew for the coming year. Download our membership form. (PDF)
Adopt an Author
A favorite author may be "adopted" with the agreement that all books published by the "adopted" author (usually one per year) will be purchased by the sponsor, at library discount. Adopt an Author forms are available at the Front Desk.
Adopt a Book
A favorite book may be "adopted" and added to our collection. Adopt a Book forms are available at the Front Desk.
Adopt a Treasure
A restricted gift that contributes to the care and preservation of artwork, furnishings, or rare books from the historic Fairbanks collections. Contact for more information.
Memorial Gifts
Donations in memory of someone may be designated for special purchases. Contact for more information.
Library Membership
St. Johnsbury residents are eligible for a free library card. Non-residents may purchase a 1-year library card with full library privileges for $14.50.
Last update: 11/19/07