The Friends of the Middleborough Public Library, Inc.

Mission

The Friends of the Middleborough Public Library, (FMPL) is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization devoted to supporting the library and other municipal departments. The Friends promotes community involvement and raises funds to assist in creating a vibrant environment that offers diverse cultural events and builds upon the deep history that exists in our town.

Vision

The Friends of the Middleborough Public Library through a strong network of volunteers, donors, and partners aspires to promote literacy, education, community engagement, and cultural preservation thereby impacting the quality of life for residents of Middleborough and surrounding communities.

Board of Directors

Paula Fay President

Tony Freitas Treasurer

Diane Fay Clerk

Barbara Chadwick Assistant Treasurer
Karen Freitas Director

Dave Pincus Director

Jessica Pincus Director

Local Recognitions

With a mission that includes promoting community engagement and spans across other municipal departments, the Friends of the Middleborough Public Library has been recognized by the Middleborough Select Board for its support of Middleborough's First Annual Veterans and Family Recognition Day. The Friends remain committed to partnering with the Veterans Service Department

StateRecognitions

The Friends of the Middleborough Public Library has been recognized at the state level for its ability to provide high quality programs to all regardless of economic status and to position the Middleborough Public Library so that it too can be recognized for its ability to provide quality programs to the public free of cost. The Friends continue to maintain their Card to Culture status allowing them to meet the cultural and educational needs of residents

Grant Awards

Since FY'2023, the Friends of the Middleborough Public Library has been awarded nearly $20,000 worth of grants. These awards have allowed the library to offer high quality programs to residents, have promoted the cultural richness of the community, and have supported community engagement events.

Statement Regarding Funding of Library Programs

In November 2024, the Director of the Library indicated that he was unwilling to have staff complete the paperwork required for the Friends to meet its fiduciary responsibilities. This involves requesting funds 30 days prior to scheduled programs, acknowledging the Friends' support on marketing materials and obtaining the appropriate document (W9) so that income could be properly provided to the IRS. Due to this, he made the decision to no longer accept funds from the Friends. This decision has resulted in residents being deprived $10,000 worth of programming opportunities in FY'2025. Currently, there is $12,000 allocated for FY'2026. The Library Director continues to make no effort to request these funds. The Friends find it unfortunate that the Board of Library Trustees have yet to discuss this situation with the Friends. It is shameful that instead of sitting down for discussion, members of the Board of Trustees have severed all relationship with the Friends.