The Ferguson Library has launched a fundraising campaign aimed at appealing to as many Stamford residents as possible. It really is open-ended. We want to gain as much as we can, said Ernest DiMattia, president of the library. Were hoping to get a good response. Whats a good response? I just dont know that. Theres no specific goal. Were hopeful.
Last week, letters were sent to 50,000 households in Stamford. Appeals also went out to businesses in hopes of securing support to keep the library open on Sundays. The library seeks business sponsorships for Sunday hours.
Funds raised will help meet operational costs, DiMattia said. A $50 contribution could purchase two best-selling books for the librarys collection, while a $2,500 donation could keep the librarys doors open for four hours on a Sunday. Each library has donation envelopes available.
Since the city slashed the librarys budget by $1.2 million, library administrators have been scrambling to find ways to reduce the deficit. A number of partial solutions have been implemented, including staff concessions and reductions in hours at the main and all branch libraries.
In addition to the current appeal, the library is planning a benefit the evening of March 5. Although the event is still in the planning stages, sponsors will be sought, said DiMattia. If anyone has an interest in being a sponsor, I hope that they will contact me directly, he said.
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