The Wareham Library Foundation recently made a $24,000 donation to the Town of Wareham which will help to supplement the salary of a new library director in the coming year.

This is the third year that the Foundation has donated to salary funding for the Wareham Free Library. Back in June, the Foundation donated an additional $5,000 to the to help purchase books and other materials.

According to Library Association President Liz Wiley, these donations are what will help the Wareham Free Library meet it's rectification requirements come November.

"It's been a very collaborative effort," Wiley said. "And we're very happy to say that we're exactly where we need to be."

The Wareham Free Library lost its state certification back in 2014 when voters defeated a Proposition 2 1/2 override, which, if approved, would have provided money for several town agencies by raising property taxes.

The library’s budget was slashed from $295,637 to $125,000 as result of the vote, forcing staff to reduce hours and spending on new materials. The cuts also meant that the library was unable to salary an accredited director.

Without it's certification, the Wareham Free Library was excluded from federal grant opportunities as well as access to the state’s library network.

"Libraries in surrounding towns wouldn't take our cards," Wiley said. "Resources for our patrons were severely limited during that time."

Since then, non-profit organizations such as the Foundation and the Friends of the Wareham Free Library have helped to keep the department afloat by providing funding for things like staff and programing.

“The Friends help to sponsor our outreach programs,” Wiley said. “And the Foundation covers things like salaries and maintenance. Both work together and are key to maintaining the library.”

According to Wiley, the town is currently in the process of seeking a new library director before the November rectification date.

Michael Carlozzi, the previous library director, left his position as earlier this month for a job in East Providence.

"Michael left us in good hands and we're excited to move forward," Wiley said. "Certification is extremely tangible at this point."