Accomplishments | Tolland Public Library Foundation

2017 Accomplishments

Thanks to grants from the Tolland Public Library Foundation in 2017, patrons of the Tolland Public Library could use a 3D printer, research their family tree, meet award-winning authors and learn how to start their own business.
All of these services and more were provided by $22,964 in grants the foundation made to the library in 2017, using income from its Eaton-Dimock-King Endowment.
The foundation’s largest grants came for technology as the library expanded into the old Hicks gym in town hall. They included $4,885 to purchase the projector and sound system for the new Library Program Room and $3,500 to buy a 3D printer, laptop, software, a light tracing box and media conversion equipment for the new library Maker Space.
Library Director Barbara Pettijohn urged library patrons to sign up for lessons on using the equipment and thanked the foundation for its support.
“As the library expansion was being finished in 2017, the foundation’s grants were essential in helping us to outfit the Program Room and Maker Space with technology that was not included in the project budget,’’ she said. “I truly appreciate the foundation’s support.”
Grants from the foundation also funded the Ancestry.com, JobNow and A to Z Database for residents to conduct research on their ancestors, on how to find a job and on companies nationwide, respectively.
A foundation grant is also funding a Tumblebooks subscription for the library. The online database includes 1,100 titles for children in kindergarten through sixth grade, including animated picture books and read-along chapter books.
The foundation also held its sixth annual Teen Poetry Slam in March with more than a dozen enthusiastic poets and is planning its seventh annual slam on April 5. Entry forms will be available soon at the library at 21 Tolland Green.
In 2017, foundation grants also brought authors P.W. Catanese and Caragh O’Brien to the library as well as author/illustrator David Biedryzycki as part of its Eaton-Dimock-King Authors Series. The foundation also sponsored a zentangle workshop in which library patrons learned how to make drawings using repetitive art patterns.
Tolland residents hoping to start their own business also received useful advice from a lawyer and insurance executive, thanks to a foundation grant.
Linda Byam, president of the foundation board of directors, urged residents to attend its programs this year and to check out all of the offerings in the expanded library.
“Our library is a Tolland treasure, and the expansion is allowing it to truly become a community hub for residents of all ages,’’ she said.
For more information on the Maker Space and databases, call the library at 860-871-3620.

Poet Zoe Livingston of Tolland

3-D printer in the new Maker Space, funded by the Tolland Public Library Foundation

Young adult author P.W. Catanese with a couple of his young fans.

2016-2017 Tolland Public Library Foundation accomplishments:

Funded the purchase of an overhead projector ($5,000) for the new library program room.
Completely outfitted and funded the new library Maker Space with a 3-D printer, laptop, software, filament, doodle-pens, a light tracing box, and media conversion equipment ($3,500).
Funded the following databases and online subscriptions: A to Z databases ($2,250), Ancestry.com ($1,180), Tumblebooks ($480), JobNow ($250); and a year’s subscription to EventKeeper, an online registration program, was funded ($340).
Supported the library dedication and grand opening with the purchase of food for the reception ($500) on March 30, and flowers ($100) and a Nook drawing ($100) for the event on April 1.
Funded a license from the Motion Picture Licensing Corp. ($400) to gain the right to show free movies in the new library program room.
Purchased books for young adults and parents on the topic of drug and alcohol abuse and addition ($200).
The Foundation received a $36,000 gift from the Barlow-Cox trust, which is a bequest from the late Lois Barlow-Cox Query. Lois was involved in the Tolland Garden Paths and Tolland Youth Garden and was the first chair of the Tolland Conservation Commission.
The seventh season of the popular Eaton-Dimock-King Author series continued with Wayne Worcester and Tim White, co-authors of The Last Good Heist: the Inside Story of the Criminal History of the Northeast on Sept. 27; Dawn Metcalf presented another session of How to Get Published on Oct. 4; David Biedrzycki, children’s author and illustrator spoke on May 25; P.W. Catanese, discussed his new sequel on June 15. The eighth season began on Sept. 23 when young adult author Caragh M. O’Brien spoke about her new book.
Working with the library staff and the Tolland High School English department, the Foundation sponsored the sixth annual Teen Poetry Slam on March 13, 2017. This very successful event featured high school and middle school students performing their original poetry pieces, which were judged by a panel including the library staff, a student, and a Foundation board member.

2016 Poets

Launched a SCORE/Chamber of Commerce business series with the inaugural program, “How to take the Risk out of Starting a New Business,” on May 1, featuring a lawyer and risk avoidance insurance speaker. The next event is planned for October 5 when Richard English will discuss “How to Get Your Business on Google’s Map!”
Continued to update our website with current content, as well as continued to stay up-to-date and virus-free with our website software.

Established an Experience the Arts initiative and sponsored a popular Zentangle workshop.

Held another session of “How to Pay for College” in October 2016. This very popular presentation helps parents and students to better understand their college funding options. Also hosted a session of Bridging the Gap: Planning for Later Life Talks in April about financial and life planning for older people.
Continued efforts to increase awareness of the Foundation and the material and programming it provides to the library. The Foundation website (www.TollandPublic LibraryFoundation.org) and our Facebook page are currently used for this purpose. The board continues to participate in Celebrate Tolland and holds a Nook drawing at the event.
The board continued publicity to raise awareness of the Foundation as a United Way designated recipient of contributions, resulting in increased donations earmarked for the Foundation from the United Way.
The Foundation board has committed to continue to work closely with Wooster Corthell Wealth Management, Inc., the investment advisor for the Eaton-Dimock-King endowment.
The Foundation board, along with the Library Director and staff, continued to focus on the “Evolution of the Library” initiative, a long-term vision of focused grants to substantially improve the library. The initiative seeks to promote the changing role of a public library in a contemporary community. This initiative has coordinated with the library expansion project.
As of Aug. 31, 2017, the year-to-date grant amount disbursed from the Eaton-Dimock-King endowment account and our operating funds is $8,023.53.

Goals for 2017-2018:

In response to the library’s drastically reduced books and materials budget, the Foundation launched a Matching Fund Drive on Sept. 16, encouraging residents to make donations of any size to support the library. The Foundation will match gifts dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000.
Develop a talent bank, in particular to reduce the digital divide between people who are comfortable with new technology and those who are not and between various age groups.
Continue to provide focused grants to the library based on endowment income and donations aligned with the library director’s priorities. Current plans are to focus on the “Evolution of the Library” initiative.
Continue to improve public and business awareness of the Foundation. Activities will include development of a strategic mission and use of a marketing strategy to educate library users and non-users of the benefits of Foundation donations to the library; participation in collaborative activities with other organizations; and continued publication of articles in local media.
Resume our efforts to gain formal recognition by more Connecticut employers /corporations to facilitate Tolland resident employee matching gifts.

Ian Howe

3-D printer in the new Maker Space, funded by the Tolland Public Library Foundation

The Tolland Public Library in 2012 after a new roof, skylight and circulation desk were installed by the town.

Here is a complete list of accomplishments by the Tolland Public Library Foundation, on behalf of the Tolland Public Library, as of September 2015.

Tolland Historical Lecture Series April-September 2015

TPLF sponsored an extremely popular series of Historical Lectures in conjunction with the Tolland 300^th Anniversary Committee and the Tolland Historical Society. The six lectures were held from April through September 2015, and examined each 50 years in Tolland’s history: 1715 (Gail White, April 1), 1765 (Barbara Cook, May 27), 1815 (Dennis Picard, June 24), 1865 (Mark Depathy, July 15), 1915 (Marshall Atwater, Aug 19) and 1965 to present (James MacArthur, Ivy Morrrison, Carlton Cayward, Sept 9).

Eaton-Dimock-King Author series – 2014-2015 season

The fifth season of this popular series began on Sept 10, 2014 with Susan Schoenberger, discussing her new novel “The Virtues of Oxygen.” Bob Englelhart followed on Nov 22, to for a discussion of his book “Track Rat, Memoir of a Car Racing Fan.” On Dec 6, former Tolland High School English teacher, discussed her new young adult book “Vault of Dreamers.” The series continued on Feb 10 when Middletown writer and former Hartford Courant reporter Karen Guzman discussed her debut novel “Homing Instincts.” March 10, 2015 author Cindy Rodriguez discussed her novel “When Reason Breaks.” We hosted Jeff Goldberg for a second time on March 12 to speak about his new book “Unrivaled,” on the UConn-Tennessee women’s basketball rivalry. The series is developing a solid reputation among authors statewide who are beginning to buzz about the Tolland library being a great place to hold an author talk.

Small Business Series – December 2014-April 2015

The Foundation surveyed local business owners to find out what topics would appeal to them and sponsored a series of lectures including those topics. The first lecture in December 2014 was Online marketing for small businesses, followed by a second talk in April on Constant Contact. Additional sessions are being planned.

Personal Financial Series – March 2015

The Foundation sponsored a series of lectures in cooperation with the Foundation for Personal Finance. Lecture topics included: Are You Fiscally Fit? on February 4, 2015, followed by Retirement planning on March 4 and Understanding Social Security on March 25.

Online Database renewal– September 2014 – June 2015

Approved spending for the following databases and online subscriptions: Ancestry.com ($1,785), Job Now ($300), Tumble books ($480) with headphones ($220) and four magazine subscriptions through Flipster ($800). A year’s subscription to Event Keeper, an online registration program was also funded ($340). The Auto Repair Reference Center was not renewed based on usage data and library directors’ determination of value to patrons.

Poetry Slam – March 2015

Working with the library staff and the Tolland High School English department, the Foundation sponsored the fourth Poetry Slam on March 5, 2015. This very successful event featured high school and middle school students performing their original poetry pieces, which were judged by a panel including the library staff, a student, and a Foundation board member. The event was hosted by a THS staff member. Prizes were awarded for the highest scoring readers.

Planned Giving Policy – June 2014

On June 9, 2014 the Board approved and adopted a Planned Giving Policy. The purpose of the policy is to establish the procedure and guidelines applicable to bequests and donations to the Tolland Public Library Foundation.

Young Adult Book Discussion – June 2014

A grant was made for the purchase of two tickets to the movie, The Giver, (based on the book of the same title by Lois Lowry) as an incentive prize for attending a young adult book discussion in July.

Poetry Slam – April 2014

Working with the library staff and the Tolland High School English department, the Foundation sponsored a third Poetry Slam on April 3, 2014. This very successful event featured high school and middle school students performing their original poetry pieces, which were judged by a panel including the library staff, a student, and a Foundation board member. The event was hosted by a THS staff member. Prizes were awarded for the highest scoring readers.

Library Technology update – March 2014

In March 2013, The Foundation provided a grant for $5,500 for the purchase of five new public access computers and associated software in response to Microsoft’s phasing out of Window’s XP support. The board worked with the library director and others to determine the best solution for computer technology.

Nutmeg nominee book purchases – March 2014

The board supported the purchase of Nutmeg nominee books for middle and high school readers. The books are recommended for Tolland Middle School summer reading and multiple copies are necessary to have readily available to eliminate a long wait list.

Online Database renewal– March, June 2014

The Foundation authorized grant of $1,720 to renew library subscription to the online databases Ancestry.com (Library Edition) and $2000 to renew the Auto Repair Reference database. for public access.Renewal decisions are based on usage data and library directors’ determination of value to patrons.

Creative Writing Workshop – October 2013

The Foundation hosted young adult author Dawn Metcalf who held a “Come to Your Senses” creative writing workshop for teens and adults on October 29, 2013. The hands-on workshop was well attended by young fans, teachers and aspiring writers.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten – September 2013

A grant of $550 was provided to Ginny Brousseau, the children’s librarian, for a new program for children from birth to age five. The program encourages Tolland families and caregivers to read 1,000 books with their young children before they enter kindergarten.

Eaton-Dimock-King Author series –2013-2014 season

The fourth season of this popular series began on September 12, 2013 with Denis Horgan, an award winning journalist and author discussing his new memoir “The Bangkok World.” Young adult author Steven Parlato followed on January 7, 2014 to discuss his book “The Namesake.” On May 5, 2014, Susan Campbell, a former Hartford Courant columnist discussed her new book “Tempest Tossed” about the life of Isabella Beecher Hooker.

Support for the Proposed Library Expansion

TPLF members supported the proposed library expansion plan, which was approved via town referendum vote in November 2013 for funding of $2.6 million. Members spoke publically along with members of the Friends and Advisory Board at town meetings, and supported the plan through individual private citizen participation in the YES for Tolland PAC.

Real Estate Negotiation

In September 2013 the board recommended to the Tolland Town council that it sign a quit claim deed with WPX Energy. The Deed was signed, executed and paid in 2014.

1,000-word History of the Tolland Public Library Foundation

At the request of the Tolland 300 Anniversary Committee, a 1,000-word history of the Foundation was prepared. The write up is included in the 300 Anniversary commemorative program, published in 2014.

Tolland 300 Historical Blanket

The Foundation purchased a blanket from the Tolland 300 Anniversary Committee to donate to the library. It will be displayed in an appropriate location as space permits.

How to Pay for College – April and October, 2013

The Foundation board once again sponsored this very popular program featuring financial advisor Craig Breitsprecher to help parents better understand their college funding options and strategies. This is the third and fourth offering, as the popularity of program continues.

Celebrate Tolland – September 2013

TPLF board members set up a booth at this town wide celebration on September 21, 2013 to raise awareness of the Foundation, and our support of the library.

TPLF Website – www.tollandpubliclibraryfoundation.org – June 2013

The Foundation launched a website to promote Foundation events, post photos, etc. TPLF continues to maintain a Facebook page as well.

Online Database renewals– March, June, 2013

The Foundation authorized grants of almost $7,000 to renew library subscriptions to four online databases for public access. Ancestry.com (Library Edition), Consumer Reports.org, Jobs Now, Auto Repair Reference Center. Renewal decisions were based on usage data and library directors’ determination of value to patrons. A subscription to Library Aware was also funded.

Tolland High school Recommended and Required Reading – June 2013

Approved spending for titles supporting the required summer reading for Honors English I-IV as well as recommended reading for grades 9-12.

Poetry Slam – May, 2013

Working with the library staff and the Tolland High School English department, the Foundation sponsored a second Poetry Slam on May 17, 2013. This very successful event featured high school and middle school students performing their original poetry pieces, which were judged by a panel including the library staff, a student, and a Foundation board member. The event was hosted by a THS staff member. Prizes were awarded for the highest scoring readers.

Lighten up at the Library – January 2013

The library hosted a mini-series of events to help residents find laughter during difficult times. Programs included “Laughter Yoga,” a ventriloquist, and a visit from a police officer who has written a book of humorous tales from his career. The Foundation sponsored $1,000 towards these programs.

The “Maze Runner” Book Discussion – December 2012

The library held a book discussion on the “Maze Runner,” for which the Foundation sponsored posters, flyers and refreshments for the program.

Eaton-Dimock-King Author series –2012-2013 season

The third season of this popular series began on December 10, 2012 with national basketball writer Ken Davis, an award winning sports writer and author who discussed his book, “UCONN Basketball Vault.” In April, TPLF hosted Pulitzer-Prize winning writer Dan Barry from the New York Times, who came to speak on his book “33 1/3 Innings.” Popular young adult author Dawn Metcalf visited on June 8^th 2013 to discuss her latest book “Luminous”.

How to Pay for College – October and December, 2012

The Foundation board sponsored this program featuring financial advisor Craig Breitsprecher to help parents better understand their college funding options and strategies. The October program was so popular, a second program was added for December.

Library Open House – September, 2012

The Foundation board coordinated with the Friends of the Tolland Public Library the Tolland library board, and the Library staff to hold an open house to coincide with the end of renovations. The event included musical performances; a gift presentation; database, media system and e-reader download demonstrations; a slideshow; student readings; children’s activities and refreshments. The Foundation provided a Nook e-reader that was given away in a drawing.

Armchair Traveler display – September, 2012

Following Barbara Butler’s retirement as Library Director in 2011,the Foundation board donated a display to honor her years of service with a gift that would share her love of travel with patrons. The gift included a display unit, fiction and non-fiction travel titles, and a bulletin board where patrons can display their travel photos. ($1,000)

Celebrate Tolland – September 2012

TPLF board members set up a booth at this town wide celebration to raise awareness of the Foundation, and our support of the library. Board members were available to discuss our role, and people could enter to win the Nook drawing.

Astronomy Program – September, 2012

The Foundation sponsored “Look up to the Stars!’” an astronomy program in conjunction with the Willington and Ashford Public Libraries. On September 12, 2012 astrophysicist Kevin Manning, a retired NASA consultant, spoke on various topics related to astronomy, and then brought attendees outside to view stars with a high powered telescope. He spoke in Willington on September 13, and in Ashford on September 14 on related astronomy topics.

Online Database renewals– April, May and September, 2012

The Foundation authorized grants to renew library subscriptions to three online databases for public access. All of them, except the first, can be entered through remote access as well as from the library computers: Ancestry.com (Library Edition), Consumer Reports.org, and Credo Reference. Renewal decisions were based on usage data and library directors’ determination of value to patrons.

Tolland High School and Young Adult Recommended and Required Reading – June 2012

Approved spending for titles supporting the required summer reading for THS English department, and library events supporting the theme of young adult summer reading.

Poetry Slam – April, 2012

Working with the library staff and the Tolland High School English department, the Foundation sponsored a Poetry Slam on April 27, 2012. This very successful event featured high school and middle school students performing their original poetry pieces, which were judged by a panel including the Children’s library director, the assistant principal of the high school, a student, and a Foundation board member. Prized were awarded for the highest scoring readers.

The Hunger Games Book Voyager Series, February – March 2012

The Foundation funded a four part “Book Voyager” discussion series and Trivia Blast based on the enormously popular Hunger Games trilogy for young adults. Each of the three discussion sessions were very well attended as well as the Trivia Blast program. The Foundation sponsored gift cards to the movies as a drawing for children who attended the discussions.

TPLF Facebook Page – 2012

The Foundation launched a Facebook page to promote Foundation events, post photos, etc. It was very well received, and is often updated by Foundation members.

AWE After School Edge workstation – January 2012

The children’s librarian identified a need for an educational workstation in the young adult section similar to the one recently purchased for the children’s section. The children’s workstation was very popular, so the Foundation purchased a similar workstation with educational and fun software appropriate for children 6-12 years.

Getting in to College Series, October 2011 – March 2012

In October, the Foundation hosted a panel discussion entitled “The College Search from the Student Athletes Perspective” including college athletic coaches, parents and high school coaches. In March 2012, TPLF hosted Heather Ricker-Gilbert for “Getting Started on your College Search” program. This program was so popular, with over 100 in attendance, we had to offer two sessions. Along with the programs, several books were purchased and donated to the library regarding the college search topic.

Take a Look, Win a Nook contest – September – November 2011

As part of an overall marketing strategy to draw people to the library, TPLF held a contest with a free drawing to win a Nook e-reader. We collected hundreds of entrant names submitted at Celebrate Tolland, the TPLF programs such as the author series, student-athlete program, and at the circulation desk. The winner was photographed with members of the TPLF board and the library Director, and a press release was submitted to local publications.

Celebrate Tolland – September 2011

Eaton-Dimock-King Author series –2011-2012 season

The second season of this popular series began in September 2011 with mystery author Jane Haddam, author of the Gregor Demarkian series; followed by veteran journalist and author Denis Horgan in November 2011, and will continue with popular young adult author Paul Catanese on May 1, 2012.

Multimedia System donation to the library – November 2011

The TPLF researched and approved the purchase of an A/V media center to be donated to the Library. It was installed in the current program room and is available for library and town personnel use, as well as available to the public, based on the current regulations for using the program room. Training was provided to library staff, and a “Cheat Sheet” was designed to facilitate users. This gift is to honor Phil Bognar’s long and dedicated service to the Tolland Public Library Foundation. The system includes TV/projection unit, available computer/laptop hook up, speaker system, and can be used to show movies.

TPLF Marketing Campaign– 2011- 2012

The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness of the Library Foundation among library patrons and non-patrons. Posters were printed to hang in the library highlighting some of the resources the Foundation has donated to the library, including the online databases and a drawing for a Nook e-reader to encourage people to come into the library and reacquaint them selves with materials available. TPLF had a booth at the Celebrate Tolland in September. Additional initiatives will continue, such as the development of a Planned Giving Policy (beginning with an information session with an estate planning lawyer) and development of our website/social media campaign. The desired result is raised awareness of the foundation, which will hopefully translate into increased donations.

The Year of the Young Adult– 2011- 2012

We established this focused giving initiative, based on the Library Director’s noted area of priority. The initiative will include programming and materials focused on serving community members 12 years old through High School. Some of the programs include Young Adult Author visits to the library, Young Adult Book Voyager Programs (book discussions), AWE After School Edge Technology workstation, Getting into College series, donation of college search related books to the library, purchase of books to support THS summer reading assignments, the Poetry Slam, and the Astronomy program.

Increased United Way designated gifts to Foundation–2011

Increased publicity and awareness of TPLF as a United Way designated recipient of contributions. Increased donations significantly, by making public aware they can direct their donations that they give through United way to the Foundation.

Newman’s Own Foundation Grant – April 2011

The Tolland Public Library Foundation received a grant of $6,500 from Newman’s Own Foundation in support of the Tolland Public Library’s classics and reference collections, Great Course offerings, summer reading program and children’s literacy program. The support from Newman’s Own Foundation and the non-profit Tolland Public Library Foundation augments the library’s public funds. Specifically, the grant from Newman’s Own Foundation will be used to replace aging copies of classic books, to purchase Great Course DVDs that feature world-renowned professors, to update outdated reference materials, to buy a laptop computer to support the summer reading program and to purchase an Early Literacy Statioon.

Eaton-Dimock-King Author series – Inaugural 2010-2011 season and ongoing

The inaugural season of this popular series was from September 2010 through April 2011. The Foundation hosted four dynamic authors to speak to the public in the library program room. Speakers included Caragh O’Brien, Birthmarked; Lucy Anne Hurston, Speak, so you can speak again: the life of Zora Neale Hurston; Jeff Goldberg, Bird at the Buzzer; and Susan Schoenberger, A Watershed Year.

Online Database purchases – June 2010 and 2011 (renewals)

The Foundation authorized an initial grant of $7,000 for library subscriptions to four new online databases for public access. All of them, except the first, can be entered through remote access as well as from the library computers: Ancestry (Library Edition) – this popular geneology resource includes over 4 billion records (census data, vital records, directories, photos, and more) to aid in tracing family ancestors. NoveList Plus – This readers’ resource, with information on over 250,000 fiction and readable non-fiction titles, will help libraries and patrons find the next “great read”. Also included are lists of award-winning books, Book Discussion Guides, Book Talks, Recommended Reads, and more. Consumer Reports.org – This popular, award winning website provides quality and price comparison to help consumers make better purchasing decisions. Advice and tips on home improvement, personal finances and health are also included. Credo Reference – Library Journal’s Best Reference Award 2009. Access full text of over 400 reference books covering every major topic, including Art, medicine, history, technology and literature.

Book Fund Interest for Library book purchases – ongoing

Each year the Foundation offers the Library Director the interest from the Book Fund. Based the interest rate for this account our grants have averaged approximately $500 per year. (These funds were transferred from the Tolland Public Library Association in June 1999 under the condition that the $10,000 principal be maintained and the interest earned be offered annually to the Library Director for the purchase of books. The Director may decline, allowing interest to accumulate for use at a later date.)

Elizabeth King Eaton / Phoebe Dimock King Endowment

Elizabeth King Eaton left a bequest to the Foundation in memory of her mother, Phoebe Dimock King, a former Tolland Public Library director. At the time of Elizabeth’s death (February 3, 2009), the total value of her accounts with ING was $741,735, 60% of that amount is $445,041. This is the amount to be considered the IRA basis for the Library foundation endowment.

The Transfer of the Beneficiary IRA to us occurred on close of business 7-15-09 and the account balance was $474,153. The ING Beneficiary IRA was closed on December 14, 2009, all funds were sold for a cash value of $559,179.40.

Two Public Access Flat Screen PCs – January 2010

These replace failed old units, $2,800.

Renewal of the antivirus and software to “lock” the PC desktops on the public access PCs June 2009, $100 grant to the Library to fund this.

Annual Appeal to Area Businesses – Fall 2008

We raised $3190 – From this we granted $1000 to the library for collection development (Books and multimedia) and added $800 to the long term endowment account.

“21^st Century Technology for the Tolland Public Library.”

From our October 2007 mailing to Tolland businesses we raised more than $3200. Six new public access PCs were purchased for the library. Two were funded by the Library Foundation by a grant of $2800, two by the Friends of the Library, and two from the donated book sale revenue. All will have Bibliomation support. We also granted $235 for anti-virus software for all PCs and a new network switch. Wi-Fi / wireless internet access in the library $59, December 12, 2008

Program Room at the Library – Dedicated November 2006

The idea for a Program Room initiated with the Friends of the Tolland Library (Friends), whose efforts to provide programs for the community were hampered by the lack of an appropriate space to hold them. They approached the Tolland Public Library Foundation (Foundation) for financial support. Both groups met with the Library Director and the Library Board, and a plan was developed and presented to the Town Council. Fundraising efforts by the Foundation began in November 2004, with a mailing to local businesses and organizations, with follow-up visits to explain the scope of the project to potential donors. The Friends raised money through book sales, holiday cookie platters, and individual donations. The Friends also took responsibility for hands-on activities, including sorting and clean-up of years of accumulated items, organization of needed materials, and painting of the former storage room. The Town of Tolland provided supplies and manpower for additional modifications to the facility, such as a new dropped ceiling. The Town Manager arranged for a major contribution by the Hicks Family Foundation, whose generosity enabled the completion of the project in a timely manner. The room dedication was held in November 2006 with all major objectives accomplished including: (Foundation grant amounts)

Storage cabinets ($3775) • Adult tables ($300)
Children’s chairs ($840) • Carpeting
Speaker’s podium • VCR/DVD player
Video projector • Projection screen

Multimedia Collection Grant – January 2004

The board provided a grant of $850 to the library for a multimedia collection (CDs, DVD, …) in honor of Kay Mahoney’s 32 years of service as Library Director.

Two Fleetwood Revolving Multimedia “bookcase” displays – April 2003

These high quality cases make the contents easily viewable by library patrons while using a minimum of space. They were acquired by the librarian with a Foundation grant of $1278.

HP Laser printer with a 3-yr H.P. service contract – January 2002

This printer was acquired with a $475 grant and enabled library patrons to print their work on the library computers.

First Grant 1999 – $100 for the 100th anniversary of Tolland Library.

This grant was used to sponsor a children’s library event during the community celebration of the library’s 100^th anniversary.

June 1998 total accounts balance of $1981

March 12, 1996 – Town Council approves creation of the Foundation

First Board meeting June 13, 1996

Tolland Public Library Accomplishments and Use of Donations
As of March 28, 2013

Eaton-Dimock-King Author series –2012-2013 season

The third season of this popular series will began in December 10, 2012 with national basketball writer Ken Davis, an award winning sports writer and author. Additional authors will follow.

How to Pay for College – September and December, 2012

The Foundation board sponsored this program featuring financial advisor Craig Breitsprecher to help parents better understand their college funding options and strategies. The September program was so popular, a second program was added for December. A third event will be held April 10, 2013 to meet the demand from residents.

Library Open House – September, 2012

Armchair Traveler display – September, 2012

Celebrate Tolland – September 2012

TPLF board members set up a booth at this townwide celebration to raise awareness of the Foundation, and our support of the library. Board members were available to discuss our role, and people could enter to win the Nook drawing.

Astronomy Program – September, 2012

The Foundation sponsored “Look up to the Stars!’” an astronomy program in conjunction with the Willington and Ashford Public Libraries. On Sept.12, 2012 astrophysicist Kevin Manning, a retired NASA consultant, spoke on various topics related to astronomy, and then brought attendees outside to view stars with a high powered telescope. He spoke in Willington on September 13, and in Ashford on September 14 on related astronomy topics.

Online Database renewals– April, May and September, 2012

Poetry Slam – April, 2012

The Hunger Games Book Voyager Series, February – March 2012

AWE After School Edge workstation – January 2012

Getting in to College Series, October 2011 – March 2012

Take a Look, Win a Nook contest – September – November 2011

Celebrate Tolland – September 2011

Eaton-Dimock-King Author series –2011-2012 season

Multimedia System donation to the library – November 2011

TPLF Marketing Campaign– 2011- 2012

The Year of the Young Adult– 2011- 2012

Increased United Way designated gifts to Foundation–2011

Newman’s Own Foundation Grant – April 2011

Eaton-Dimock-King Author series – Inaugural 2010-2011 season and ongoing

Online Database purchases – June 2010 and 2011 (renewals)

Book Fund Interest for Library book purchases – ongoing

Phoebe Dimock King and Elizabeth C. King Eaton Endowment

Two Public Access Flat Screen PCs – January 2010

These replace failed old units, $2,800.

Renewal of the antivirus and software to “lock” the PC desktops on the public access PCs June 2009, $100 grant to the Library to fund this.

Annual Appeal to Area Businesses – Fall 2008

We raised $3190 – From this, we granted $1000 to the library for collection development (Books and multimedia) and added $800 to the long term endowment account.

“21^st Century Technology for the Tolland Public Library.”

Program Room at the Library – Dedicated November 2006

• Storage cabinets ($3775) • Adult tables ($300)

• Children’s chairs ($840) • Carpeting

• Speaker’s podium • VCR/DVD player

•Video projector • Projection screen

Multimedia Collection Grant – January 2004

The board provided a grant of $850 to the library for a multimedia collection (CDs, DVD, …) in honor of Kay Mahoney’s 32 years of service as Library Director.

Two Fleetwood Revolving Multimedia “bookcase” displays – April 2003

These high quality cases make the contents easily viewable by library patrons while using a minimum of space. They were acquired by the librarian with a Foundation grant of $1278.

HP Laser printer with a 3-yr H.P. service contract – January 2002

This printer was acquired with a $475 grant and enabled library patrons to print their work on the library computers.

First Grant 1999 – $100 for the 100th anniversary of Tolland Library.

This grant was used to sponsor a children’s library event during the community celebration of the library’s 100^th anniversary.

June 1998 total accounts balance of $1981

March 12, 1996 – Town Council approves creation of the Foundation

First Board meeting June 13, 1996