Dear Library Patrons and Friends,

It’s the end of a difficult and disorienting year for the library. We have all been affected in some way by the obstacles thrown our direction by the pandemic. Through it all your library has remained a place of civility, calm, and stability. We know that reading is the key that unlocks the practical world and the joy of the imagination. We have been able to access things; new books, new ideas, and new solutions that we had not had time for before being shut in.

Let us tell you what’s coming up in the new year. The new library is on track to start construction in 2022! After over a decade of planning, we are nearly three quarters of the way to fully funding the project. THIS IS A HUGE MILESTONE! And we couldn’t have done it without your consistent support. The good news keeps rolling in. The Library/Commons project was highlighted in the governor’s budget. You can help support this $4,000,000 allocation by joining a letter writing campaign to state lawmakers in January. We’ll let you know when we need to start.

The Library Foundation is responsible for raising the money needed to finish and furnish the new library space. Even though our campaign won’t start in earnest until next year, consider a year-end gift to the Foundation. You can donate online at, mountvernonlibraryfoundation.org, or by sending your contribution to PO Box 202, Mount Vernon, 98273. Your generosity will help us create a vibrant space that will enhance our community for generations to come.