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The Calvert Library Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)3, has several ongoing fundraisers to provide support for the Calvert Library and the work they do.  A customer favorite is the brick fundraiser.  For a donation of $100, individuals can craft a message to be engraved on a brick to be installed on the library patio.  This makes a wonderful, lasting gift in someone’s honor or memory.  While it does require some patience before the bricks appear in the patio (an order is placed once a year and then installation occurs as county staff has time), customers can request certificates to let their honoree know what is coming.   “Hooray!  A perfect birthday gift for my friend who has everything!” exclaimed one donor.   A middle school PTA has taken advantage of these bricks as an opportunity to honor teachers who retire.  A mom said, “My kids love looking for their bricks after Storytime…we’ve even had a picnic out here!”  A longtime library volunteer and generous philanthropist said, “I love the library and I like the idea of modeling community participation and responsibility through a gift that will help make the library more accessible.” 

The next order for engraving will be placed at the beginning of January so now is a good time to get your donation in.  If you are looking to make a larger donation, consider the Giving Tree. For $250 to $2500, you can have your business or family included on the Giving Tree as an engraved leaf, acorn, foundation stone, or mini-tree.  This beautiful tree is featured prominently on the wall that hundreds of people will pass every day as they enter the library.

The Foundation uses the funds it raises to provide extra services and items that the library budget cannot.  Recent fundraising has supported the purchase of a number of gaming console games for customers to check out.  They pay the annual subscription fee of the Foundation Center database which provides library customers access to profiles of more than 91,000 U.S. grantmakers.  They recently purchased an appliance that has increased the internet capacity for the library branches.  Currently, the Foundation is fundraising for Imagination Stations for each library location which will have various educational tools and books to promote active learning and imaginative play for preschoolers.  Support Calvert Library; buy a brick! For more information, call the Calvert Library Prince Frederick at (410) 535-0291 or (301) 855-1862.