Autumn 2025

 

This time of year allows us the opportunity to reflect on the contributions of the people who support the Concord Public Library Foundation through their time, talents, and financial gifts.

 

We are mourning the loss of one of our longtime board members, Karen Landsman, who passed away in August. Karen was a beloved school librarian, media specialist, and a tireless community volunteer. Even before joining the Foundation board, Karen volunteered at Concord Public Library, devoting much of her time to the Elizabeth Yates Award, which is given annually to a resident of the greater Concord area who is actively engaged in inspiring young people to read. With Karen’s leadership, the CPLF has continued the Yates Award every year for decades.​

 

Karen was especially excited about the 2025 recipient, Lin Kelly, who was honored in October. Through the Friends Foster Grandparents Program, “Grammie Lin” selflessly volunteered 1,500 hours in the classrooms at Abbot-Downing School, working closely with students to improve their literacy skills and help them discover a love for reading. Like Karen – and like so many of you! – Lin is dedicated to helping build foundational skills for future readers and library users.

​​

The Yates Award is just one of many programs funded by the CPLF. In spring of 2025, Concord Reads – an annual city-wide literary event that celebrates the power of books to connect the community – engaged hundreds in reading author Ty Gagne’s book, Where You’ll Find Me: The Last Climb of Kate Matrosova. A month-long series of related programs and activities, culminating in a visit from Ty himself, brought Ty’s powerful work to people of all ages throughout the community.

​​

With the generous gifts of donors like you, the Foundation has also continued to help fund many popular programs at Concord Public Library. Some of the projects we helped fund in the past year are museum passes, maintenance for library e-bikes “Abbot” and “Downing,” Lit Kits for young children, the new seed library, and 11 new items for the Library of Things! A compelling series of gallery images from local photographer Becky Field can now be seen in the library auditorium, thanks to the Foundation...and through the Books for Babies program, we gave a brand-new board book to every baby born at Concord Hospital. These initiatives and others help community members access resources and experiences in the library and beyond, all for free!

​​

If you are reading this letter, chances are you are already part of our library community. We hope you’ll consider making a donation in memory or in honor of someone who inspired you to read. And next time you visit the library, know that it’s people like you who help make our library magical! Thank you!​

 

Sincerely,

Kate Fox Ransmeier
President, Board of Directors