Each year, the Wareham Library Foundation works to “Bridge the Gap” by raising 20% of the operational costs of running the town’s library. 

That fundraised support is crucial: “That goes to keeping the lights on, keeping the staff employed and making sure the library can maintain its certification,” said foundation President Liz Wiley. 

Without certification, the library couldn’t participate in inter-library loan, for instance.

Wiley emphasized that the library is a critical resource, especially for low-income people who might not have a computer or access to the internet at home. 

The foundation must reach its goal of about $80,000 by the end of June before the new fiscal year starts. As in past years, the A.D. Makepeace Company has pledged a $10,000 matching grant.

The foundation relies on fundraisers, which has been more difficult in the past few years as the pandemic largely shelved the group’s traditional events: an author talk and dinner and a play performed by library staff, volunteers and notable town figures.

In a first for the foundation, the group will be hosting a comedy show at Stone Path Malt on Saturday, June 11. Tickets cost $25 apiece, with sponsorships starting at $100. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for a 7 p.m. showtime, and drinks and pub food will be for sale. Tickets are available here.

To donate directly to the foundation, go to www.supportwarehamlibrary.org, bring a check to the library, or mail a check to the Wareham Library Foundation, P.O. Box 485, East Wareham, MA 02538.

The other organization that fundraises for the library is the Friends of the Wareham Free Library. The funds the friends raise are used to enhance the services the library offers. The friends currently pay for the museum pass program and all of the programs and events at the library. The friends fundraise through monthly book sales and through memberships. Joining the friends costs $10 for a single person or $5 for a student or senior. For more, go to www.supportwarehamlibrary.org.