Westerly Sun Column | Community Spirit Built Our Library — And Still Sustains It

From the start, the Memorial and Library Association was established as a private nonprofit organization, as opposed to a municipal public library. Local industrialist-inventor, Stephen Wilcox and his wife Harriet, donated the land on which the library is situated, as well as $10,000 for the construction of the building. The remaining cost was matched by citizens of the community. It is a testament to our community that so many individuals chipped in to construct what is arguably the most iconic building in downtown Westerly. This stunning architectural work of art opened to the public in 1894.

In 1898, Harriet Wilcox purchased property surrounding the library and donated the land to the Association to establish Wilcox Park. The park was dedicated in memory of Stephen Wilcox, who sadly passed away before construction of the library was complete.

Philanthropic community members have long been the backbone of our organization. To this day, Westerly Library & Wilcox Park raises funds from individual donors through our Annual Fund campaign and fundraising events. Our Annual Fund supports programs, services, and resources that our patrons rely on. Our fundraising goal is $282,000 for this fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

Just as the Association has expanded and evolved to serve the needs of our community, we also strive to fit the philanthropic goals of our donors. With this in mind, we accept a variety of giving methods such as:

Become a Sustaining Member

Donors can set up automated monthly donations to be deducted directly from their debit card, credit card or PayPal account. 

IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution

Donors age 70 1/2 and up can direct money be transferred directly from their IRA to Westerly Library & Wilcox Park.  That amount counts towards the donor’s Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), but no federal income tax is due on the distribution. 

Donating Securities

Donors who donate securities that have been held for more than one year will generally receive a charitable tax deduction for the full fair market value of the securities and avoid capital gains taxes on the appreciation of the assets over their original cost bases.

Life Insurance 

A life insurance policy allows you to make a meaningful gift while preserving other assets for yourself and your family. 

Retirement Plans

Retirement assets can be a tax-efficient way to support Westerly Library & Wilcox Park. You can name the Association as the beneficiary of all or part of your pension plan, IRA, Keogh Plan, 401(k) Plan or 403(b) Plan. 

Charitable Remainder Trusts

Upon the death of the last income beneficiary or the expiration of the term of years, the trust ends, and the principal would pass to the nonprofit.  

Donor-Advised Funds

The donor determines how he/she wants the funds in the DAF to be invested before being paid out as grants to a charitable organization.  

Please be sure to consult with your financial or tax advisor to determine the best method for charitable giving for you. 

by Stacey Jackson, Director of Development at Westerly Library and Wilcox Park