Where would you be without your library?

Thank you to everyone who supported our dream of raising the funds needed to match the grant.

If you would still like to donate:
http://mnspear.org or http://fundly.com/shutesburylibrary

Created/Directed by Lindsay Van Dyke http://lindsayvandyke.com
Additional footage filmed by Sarah Wentworth.

We're a small town in Massachusetts, population ~1800. Our cute little library was built 110 years ago, for a town of 400 people.

Features of our current library building:
* No running water. The composting toilet and hand sanitizer goes only so far with kids in tow
* So small that our weekly story hours can only accommodate 5 or 6 children
* Librarian must turn away volunteers, since we can only fit two adults behind the desk
* Can't fit people lingering over the stacks; it's in, a quick browse, and out
* No room for students to study
* Zero privacy for people wanting to use one of our two computers
* Can't host any events or meetings for more than a handful of people
* Free wifi (only part of our town has high speed internet of any kind). People sit with their laptops in their cars, since there's literally no room in the building

That's right--there's no room in our cute little library to sit and read a book!

Here's the awesome news: The state Library Commission has agreed that we desperately need a new building, likes our plans for one, and has promised to fund 60% of it. That means they'll kick in $2.1 million -- as long as we raise $1.4 million by June 30. So far, we've raised about $180,000. UPDATE on 5/17/12: since youtube video has gone viral, we're up to $240,815!

A generous anonymous donor has provided us with a $150,000 matching gift. Will you help us reach this goal?

Every little bit helps. mnspear.org

To buy the song "Everybody Let's Jump (For Your Library"):
http://eloisethegreat.bandcamp.com/tr...

• Category

  Nonprofits & Activism

[Stéphanie Leroux]

Good luck with everything. I love libraries so I donated a little. Like you said, every little bit helps.

[ShutesburyLibrary]

Thank you! We so appreciate it.

[wrye sententia]

Read + books = freedom of thought. Hope you make it, gave what I could.

[ShutesburyLibrary]

thank you so much! we couldn't agree more. and we're so grateful for your contribution!

[abhishek727]

Nice Video. I hope you raise the required sum of money soon. In the video description its written that there is no space to hold events. Might I suggest that you can simply pitch a tent and do so while the new library is coming up. I know it sounds a bit weird but it can be done and is quite effective. In Jaipur Literature Festival most of the venues were held inside such tents and they often housed more than 3000 people.

[ShutesburyLibrary]

Thank you! We hold events on our Town Common as often as weather allows--which around here means really only a few months out of the year. We do love to get out as often as we can. Thank you for your interest!

[JETROCKETSKATES]

This video just made me cry.

I was born in Brockton, MA in 1988. Until I was around 5 or 6 years old, my family lived in Shutesbury. I remember going to this library once every week when I was young, and my mom reading me and my baby brother books. Later, I picked up books there, and learned to read for the first time. This is the library I learned to read at. This place has had an effect I can't begin to describe. I'm currently dirt poor, and only have $12 in my bank, but I hope it can help!

[Kelly Drake]

Great video - hope it goes viral and you get your library! How close are you to raising the money?

[JustAPrayer]

Love libraries, and I wish I had the funds to donate. I know I'd be devestated if something ever happened to a library in my area. Best of luck! :)

[fitzswim10]

Love it! Best of luck to you!

[sweetpea1182001]

Just donated! Good luck reaching the goal! I'll be crossing my fingers and thinking hopeful thoughts!

[Cameron11598]

I wish you guys luck! Saw this when Tulare Public Library shared it on their twitter. Will retweet this to all my friends.