Submitted by Robbie Marshall, Brainerd Memorial Library
(July 25, 2025) — An association library is a library that is privately controlled, but which meets the statutory definition for a public library. The organization governing an association library is established for the express purpose of oversight (the library is not governed, for example, by a school board or municipality which have other, non-library-related, purposes). Brainerd Memorial Library Association [BML] is a 501(c)(3) non-profit governed by its Board of Trustees.
The Importance of Funding for Libraries
What makes public libraries special is they cater to their unique communities. The offerings at each library might be totally different, depending on who is being served. Libraries are more than just repositories for books; they are vibrant centers of education, technology, and community engagement.
And it’s all available free, right? The truth is, part of what makes public libraries “public” is that they’re supported by public funds. Studies have shown that every $1 spent on public libraries returns an average of $5 in value. Pay 1, get 5 back. And that’s not considering the long-term economic and social value that libraries provide. No matter how one looks at it, libraries are a smart investment for the entire community!
Where does the funding come from?
As institutions that provide crucial services to diverse populations and requirements, libraries depend on robust and sustained funding to fulfill their missions. Adequate funding is not merely a benefit but a necessity, enabling libraries to maintain their essential role as pillars of the community.
There are several primary sources for library funding, starting with national funds that are distributed to states. States often offer additional funding and, of course, local municipalities play an important role. Librarians also apply for grants to supplement these funds. Grants include support for technology, facility upgrades, or a specific area such as children’s books, science, local history, or education.
In general, the municipality provides the greatest percentage of funding; often at least half. On the state and national level, funding is determined by budget allocation, and library organizations usually request more funding to purchase materials, pay staff, expand libraries, and provide other valuable support services. Recently however, there have been severe cutbacks in federal funding to libraries.
BML does receive a portion of its funding from the Town of Haddam, but must make up the shortfall in the operating budget by fundraising. This is accomplished by running events, book and plant sales, auctions, and donation solicitations via its Annual Appeal and Friends Membership drive. Most libraries, like Brainerd, have a Friends of the Library group that organizes the fundraising to help maintain the library, support programming, and purchase materials.
Like most non-profits, the library has an endowment to ensure the future of the library. It is also used to help meet operating budget deficits and for building maintenance and upgrades.
Finally, many private donors are pleased to support their local libraries by donating funds, setting up grants or memorial gifting, or including the library in their estate planning.
When it comes to supporting public libraries, every little bit counts! If donations to the library are not in your budget, consider volunteering time, lead programs, or organize fundraisers. Being active with your library is a very important and enjoyable way to contribute to the community.
Libraries do a lot!
Libraries develop and maintain relationships and partnerships with local groups and organizations like:
- Town Hall; Youth and Family Services; Senior Center; Parks and Recreation
- Educators: Public Schools, Pre-schools, and Homeschoolers
- Business Community
- Historical Society; Garden Club
- Farmers Market and Haddam Neck Fair
- Political Leaders and Organizations
- UConn Extension Center; 4H; Scouts
What are some services, resources, materials, and programs provided by BML? This list is long but not exhaustive…
Facilities and Services:
- Member of Library Consortium allowing access to millions of materials from Connecticut libraries
- Cooling center
- Internet access
- Conference & community rooms, meeting spaces, reading, proctoring, study, and tutoring areas
- Hosting for community events like the Farmers Market and Prom Dress Night
- Café and art gallery
- Computers and laptops; Cricut machine and 3-D Printer
- Printing, copying, faxing, scanning
- Tech help
- Job Search
- Play areas with toys
- Notary Public
- Onsite bookstore
- Volunteer and community service opportunities
Materials
- Books: Fiction and non-fiction – audio, hardcover, paperback, picture books, graphic novels, easy readers, series, parenting
- Board and Computer Games
- History Room with local historical documents and Genealogy resources
- Media: Music CDs and DVDs: Popular movies all genres, TV series, and non-fiction; informational
- Museum Passes
- Magazines and Newspapers
- Special items: like a Birding Backpack
- Tax forms; Government Information
Programs:
- Two Annual Major Events a year: Agricultural Day and Fall Festival
- Book, Cooking, and Puzzle Clubs
- Children’s: Storytime, arts and crafts, music, and movement
- Lectures and Presentations: Authors, Information, History, Science, Gardening
- Crafts
- Game nights
- Summer reading
- Innovative and engaging Teen activities including Pokémon, Dungeons & Dragons, Anime and Manga programs
- Film series and movie nights
- Music: Concerts; dance; sing-a-longs
- Art classes
- Hiking; book walks; yoga; planting and gardening
- Holiday and seasonal events
This article is meant to encourage you to visit BML, your library, to see what is offered; become involved. If you look around the building or at our events calendars and don’t see something you’re interested in, ask our librarians! Let us know. You can also sign up for our E-Newsletters on our website to receive information on Events, Programs and Activities, Materials and Services, and News and Important Information.
Brainerd Memorial Library Association is located at 920 Saybrook Road in Haddam.
Phone: 860-345-2204
Website: www.Brainerdlibrary.org
