Fishers Island Library Appeal 2021

Dear Friends of the Library,

Thanks to our many generous supporters, the Fishers Island Library’s doors have remained open throughout Covid. Our mission is to encourage a love of reading, writing and storytelling. We accomplish that, in part, by providing access to our collection, our technology and our space, which we could not do with our doors closed. When direct access has not been possible, Librarian Ann Banks has made books available outside and even delivered books to our community members. We have done our best to allow the community to continue to use our wonderful space, with the comforts of air conditioning, robust internet service and furnishings that invite you to enter, stay, read, study, work or just think.

Thanks to our generous supporters, we are able to maintain and continually expand our broad and varied collection, which we are constantly striving to improve, and provide you, your children and grandchildren with the books you want to read.

Thanks to our generous supporters, we are able to provide a wide variety of programs for all ages, all year long. This summer, Jack Carr captivated us with his thrillers and incredible career as a Navy Seal and writer. Len Cabral inspired children with his amazing skills as a storyteller. Fishers Island’s own Olympian, Isabelle Kinsolving Farrar, stirred us with the story of her training for and competing in the 2004 Olympics.

Thanks to our generous supporters, we have also collaborated with other beloved Island institutions. As the Fishers Island School was adapting its curriculum to Covid, we provided new laptops to students who might not have been able to afford them otherwise. We also partnered with the movie theater on The Best Movie You’ve Ever Read, with a showing and discussion of the latest screen version of Little Women.

There is a fabulous book by Susan Orlean, The Library Book, about the Los Angeles Central Library, that almost burned down in the 1980’s. It contains marvelous truths about all libraries, even our precious little library here on Fishers Island. Orlean writes,

“In times of trouble, libraries are sanctuaries…all the things that are wrong in the world seem conquered by a library’s simple unspoken promise: Here I am, please tell me your story; here are my stories, please listen.”

We are grateful that you have listened to our story. We would be most grateful for your financial support this year with a gift. EVERY GIFT IS MEANINGFUL. Our collection, facilities and programs depend on our community’s generous support.

Thank you for your consideration.

Jon Britt
President

Annie Douthit
Development Chair

Elizabeth Wooten
Development Chair