Friends of the Framingham Library Launch $30,000 Fundraising Campaign

The Friends of the Framingham Library launched a $30,000 fundraising campaign, over the weekend.

The non-profit organization supports the Town of Framingham’s Library by funding activities like free movie screenings, concerts, programming, museum passes, the homework Center and other support services.

However, their ability to raise money has been halted due to the electrical explosion at the main Framingham Library on October 17.

A book sale was to have taken place the day of the explosion and fire. It was cancelled; and every month since, the book sale, sponsored by the Friends of the Framingham Library, has been cancelled.

We have “lost many months’ worth of income from the ongoing book sale room in the Library lobby and money from DVD rentals. This has had a very significant negative impact on the Friends’ ability to supplement the Library budget provided by the Town of Framingham at the projected level for 2015-2016,” wrote the organization on its GoFundMe page.

“With your help we can offset those losses, and increase the chances that the Friends will be able to help the Library meet the needs of the library public,” wrote the organization.

“Anyone making a contribution of $25 or more will receive a coupon worth $5 off on total purchase at a Friends of the Framingham Library book sale,” said the Friends of the Framingham Library.

Even with diminished funds, the Friends helped support the opening and operation of the pop-up library branch at the former St. Stephen’s School in downtown Framingham.

To donate to the Friends of the Framingham Library online, click here.

Checks can also be mailed. Write the check to Friends of the Framingham Library and mail it to Nancy Grifone, Treasurer, 1 Crosby Circle, Framingham MA 01701.

The Friends of the Framingham Library is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, so donations are tax deductible.

As of midnight, Monday, Jan. 11, $150 has been raised.

Repairs to the main library are expected to begin this week.

Estimates on repairs are close to $1 million, of which various insurance policies should cover the cost of repairs.

Two contracted workers injured in the explosion, have both been released from the hospital, said Framingham Town Manager Bob Halpin on Friday.