As the president of the Friends of the Wareham Free Library, I have been asked by our members to comment on our funds and how they are used at the library in order to clarify some recent confusion about how our funds are used and recorded. The Friends raise money through a variety of fund raisers, and our mission has always been to enhance the library's programs and equipment. We are a private non-profit and not a part of the Town, although our mission is to support one of the Town's departments.

Since the opening of the facility at 59 Marion Road, the director or staff of the library would ask the Friends to fund programs, buy books, materials, supplies, furnishings or other enhancements to the library. Payment was always made directly to the vendor from the Friends, and receipts or invoices were kept with the Friends. This is the way private non-profit groups typically operate. Cash donations raised by Friends' groups are rarely given to Towns.

Last year we made an exception and gave cash to the Town to help pay staff wages to increase the hours that the library was open. A check for $20,000 was accepted by the Board of Selectmen through the state's municipal gifting process. The increased hours were needed for certification with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. In October of 2009, the acting library director asked for and received copies of invoices or receipts for books and materials that had been purchased by the Friends totaling more than $45,000 for the fiscal year 2008, which was also needed for certification. In December of 2009, the acting director received copies of invoices or receipts for almost $10,000 that the Friends had spent on books and materials for the Friends' fiscal year 2009, which can be applied to the library's next certification. This is the only financial information the Town has asked of the Friends, and we responded to the request.

The Friends are also in the process of fulfilling a legal contract we made with the Town to build a future branch of the Wareham Free Library in Onset. Money raised for the Spinney project can only be used for this project as required by law. Donations made specifically for Spinney are kept in a separate bank, and all donations have been carefully recorded. We cannot legally use money raised for Spinney on the main library, and the people who donated to this worthy cause must have their wishes respected. We are excited to see the progress on Spinney and wish to thank all of our donors and supporters of this project.

I also want to let the public know that the Friends have always kept careful financial records, and over the years have done much to improve the quality of the library service afforded the citizens of Wareham. Our members vote at our monthly meetings on how our funds will be spent, and we are proud of our work for the library. The Friends hope to establish a positive working relationship with the new Board of Trustees and the future Library Director, and we intend to continue to enhance library services where needed.

Kathleen Gleason is the President of the Friends of the Wareham Free Library