The recent 150^th Birthday Celebration of the Goodnow Library netted over $45,000 to kick off a million dollar plus capital campaign by the Goodnow Library Foundation to fund critically needed improvements at the Library. 

Under the direction of Esme Green, Library Director, part of the money will initially fund new, inviting furniture in the children’s room and interactive electronic bulletin boards in both the children’s room and near the circulation desk. “We are so delighted by the community support for the library, and thrilled to be able to make enhancements that make it even more welcoming for everyone,” said Green. 

With these additions to the Library, the Foundation plans to showcase exciting improvements for Library patrons to enjoy while at the same time building an endowment to fund future needs.  Looking ahead, the Foundation plans to continue to raise money to further revitalize the children’s area with additional furniture, kid’s-height shelving, and cozy reading areas.  To ride the wave of new technology, the Foundation plans to create a training room to showcase the latest technology.  Additionally, the Foundation wants to provide access to Sudbury’s history by funding a part-time consultant to catalog and maintain the Library’s historical collection.  Finally, with future improvements to the main circulation area, the Foundation hopes that patrons of all ages will continue to enjoy the Library as an open, community gathering place.

 At the celebration, more than 200 people enjoyed gourmet food served in four Library locations while bidding on an array of donated items, including gift certificates from local restaurants to tickets to sporting events.    Highlights of the evening also included performances by the Lincoln/Sudbury High School Select Jazz Combo and the Accent A Capella.  In addition, Hal Cutler, a descendent of John Goodnow, took on the persona of his ancestor to hold conversations with event goers.

 Kudos for this successful event go to the Birthday Event Committee Chaired by Kim Ogden Huntowski with assistance from Amy Adolfsson, Maria Balian, Maria Baillargeon, Melissa Evans, Deborah Gregorio Cruz, Lily Gordon, Susan Herel, Melanie Kaplan, Melissa Rudder, Linda Shulman, Joanne Thompson, and Joyce Willette.

 In talking about the success of the Gala, Huntowski said, “We were so pleased that the event ended up being one that drew from a true cross-section of the community - and was an opportunity to celebrate together one of our most wonderful community resources."

 The Trustees of the Goodnow Library formed the Goodnow Library Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, because they are committed to the importance of the Library as a vital resource for the Sudbury Community.  However, they recognized that town budgets had a limited capacity to fund needed enhancements to the Library.

 Those interested in more information about the Goodnow Library Foundation, or in helping to support its efforts, should contact development @ goodnow-foundation.org or call 978-639-3224.

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