Frequently Asked Questions (& a little history!)
Please remember: The Yarmouth Port Library is a privately funded, PUBLIC library - open to everyone.
Yarmouth Port Library as we know it dates from 1866, when it was formed as a subscription library and Henry C. Thacher donated land for a building site. YPL was established and the building completed and dedicated in 1871. From that date until 1938, the Library was funded entirely from private sources. From 1939 until around 1990, the Town provided varying amounts of funding on an annual basis. From the early '90s until 2008, the Library was funded and operated as part of the Town library system.
In the fall of 2008, as a result of a financial crisis brought about by the failure of a $1.4 million override vote, Town selectmen were prepared to close the Library immediately. On June 30, 2009 all but token town funding ceased. From that day forward, the Board of Trustees and Corporators of the Association have maintained the library as a public institution funded through private funds, not only for the benefit of Yarmouth Port, but also for the Town and larger community. We are open 25 hours a week; the annual operating budget is about $150,000.
For further information on ways to give click on "Get Involved" or click here.
Below are some frequently asked questions.
In the fall of 2008, as a result of a financial crisis brought about by the failure of a $1.4 million override vote, Town selectmen were prepared to close the Library immediately. On June 30, 2009 all but token town funding ceased. From that day forward, the Board of Trustees and Corporators of the Association have maintained the library as a public institution funded through private funds, not only for the benefit of Yarmouth Port, but also for the Town and larger community. We are open 25 hours a week; the annual operating budget is about $150,000.
For further information on ways to give click on "Get Involved" or click here.
Below are some frequently asked questions.
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What does the Library's "private" status mean?
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It means that since June 30, 2009 all but a token amount of our funding has come from private and not governmental sources—as it did for the first 72 years of the Library's existence. We otherwise continue to fulfill our historic mission as a public library, open to all residents of the town and to the broader Cape community as well.
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Is the Library a member of the Cape Libraries Automated Materials Sharing (CLAMS) Network?
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Yes. We have had our own CLAMS membership since July 1, 2009. Therefore YPL users may borrow books from other Cape and Islands libraries through the CLAMS network.
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How is the endowment managed?
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The Budget and Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees manages the endowment.
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Is the Library a membership organization?
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The Library is open to any CLAMS card holder, with Library services available to all. Participation in our membership program is purely voluntary. There are a limited number of "members only" events and benefits. The most important purpose of the program is to provide all Library users with an opportunity to support our operations and thus guarantee our continued presence in the community.
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How important are memberships?
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Without the membership program, the Library's operations will not be sustainable in the long term. We would have to find other sources of funding, such as an annual fund drive or high-cost fundraising events.
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Can I donate appreciated securities to the Library?
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Yes, gifts of securities are always welcome. If you are fortunate enough to have securities that have appreciated in value, donating them, rather than cash, may afford additional tax benefits. If you hold securities that have declined in value you may be better off selling them, realizing the loss, and donating the proceeds. In either event, you should consult your tax advisor regarding specific tax consequences to you.
For further information as to how to donate securities, call Les Peat, Treasurer, at 508-362-7660. |