Friends of Milton Public Library set $50,000 capital fundraising goal, plan new events

The Friends of the Milton Public Library told the board June 2 they have set a one-year fundraising target of $50,000 to support three to four capital projects, and requested a proposal by August outlining up to 10 potential projects, including electrical work, kitchen appliances, carpets and blinds. Al Fletcher, representing the Friends, said the group will research costs and deliver project suggestions for the library staff and trustees to review.

The Friends reported their prior basket fundraiser raised $6,200 from 70 baskets and asked to reserve the Community Room Oct. 5–17 to stage baskets for another sale; library staff warned that reserving the room for two weeks poses a significant challenge because of heavy space use. Cathy Vadnais, chair of the Milton Public Library Board of Trustees, suggested temporary Costco-style shelving as a partial solution; Friends and staff agreed to confirm a staging plan by the board's August meeting.

The Friends also proposed an indoor mini-golf fundraiser, dubbed “Mini Masters,” planned for April 9 next year with an 18-hole course inside the library, Friday setup, and up to 72 participants. The Friends cited a Burlington library event that raised about $24,000 as a reference and estimated the Milton iteration would raise at least $4,000. Al Fletcher said the event has been cleared to include alcohol.

Library Director Matthew Davis will provide the Friends with blinds quotes requested for the capital project list. The board endorsed the timeline to develop concrete project proposals for the August meeting.