Boston Public Library Launches Private Fund To Sponsor Programs

BOSTON — Most libraries are completely reliant on municipal support to fund their programs, including the Boston Library. But, for the first time in its 171 years, the Boston Public Library is starting a private-sponsored campaign fund, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced Wednesday.

The library and mayor announced the Fund for the Boston Public Library, to support programming and special collections. It already has major sponsors including, State Street, the Barr Foundation, Bank of America Charitable Foundation, The Boston Foundation and Liberty Mutual Insurance.

The fund has already raised $2.8 million and hope to raise another $3 million at an inaugural fund-raising gala next month (the cheapest ticket is $1.500). The head of the library is estimating the fund can raise $10 million a year, which would double the library network's budget, according to Boston Public Radio.

“For State Street the value proposition of the library is about opportunity - a better community, a better city," said Hannah Grove of the financial services provider State Street, during the announcement. "As we look to bridge the equity gap, to me the Boston Public Library stands on the front lines.”

At a time when the library has become a community hub, pundits are applauding the move.

Last year the library circulated more than 5 million objects, offered more than 1.6 million book and audiobook downloads, and provided 13,000 educational programs including reading, literacy, exhibitions, instructional classes, prominent author talks, and new citizenship training, according to the library.

The phrase “Free to All,” is engraved over the main branch of the Boston Library in Copley Square.

"To help us meet this goal in the twenty-first century, a group of visionary philanthropists and funding institutions has come together to create and support a new entity: The Fund for the Boston Public Library," reads the fund's website.

Started officially in April, it will serve as the organizational and fiscal successor to the Boston Public Library Foundation.

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).