New Dollar Tree Sprouts

At West Tisbury Library

The West Tisbury Library Foundation, Inc. hopes to grow its fund-raising efforts, thanks to a new dollar tree program announced this week.

For each $1 donation the West Tisbury Free Public Library receives, the foundation will add a leaf inscribed with the donor’s name to a paper tree on the library’s wall. An anonymous donor has offered to match every $1 donation up to $1,000.

The challenge was inspired by the current campaign to renovate and expand the library. Every leaf on the dollar tree will benefit the new Children’s Room. Contributions can be made to a special drop box at the library. Donors are also encouraged to add to the original challenge match, helping the tree grow by raising the limit beyond $1,000.

“The donor’s intention is to encourage the participation of families with children,” said library director Beth Kramer. “The hope is that they can feel excited about the library, and about giving to the library. But even families with grown children are encouraged to participate. There are whole generations of people on the Island who have fond memories of the West Tisbury Library as children.”

In July of this year, the West Tisbury library was one of only eight libraries in the state to receive an expansion and renovation grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). The grant, which covers about half the project cost of $6 million, must be matched by private and town donations.