Databases

The library has access to thousands of online journals and magazines.

Ask RI

The answer to your questions! Learn how to make the most of the resources in front of you.

Special Collections

Local History

Westerly-Pawcatuck

Discover the beautiful towns of Westerly, RI and Stonington, CT.

Westerly Library is now available by appointment only. Some sections of the first floor will be available for browsing material and to utilize the public computer lab, by reservation only. During this initial reopening phase we are unable to accommodate walk-ins. To make a reservation please call 401.596.2877 ext 930 for Circulation and ext 311 for the computer lab. Please check back for updates! Library Takeout Service is still available via the Books & Materials tab for contact-free pickup and the book drop is now open for material returns.

Support Westerly Library and Wilcox Park

Support the "Library and Park Fund"!


“A library in the middle of a community is a cross between an emergency exit, a life-raft and a festival. They are cathedrals of the mind; hospitals of the soul; theme parks of the imagination.” - Caitlin Moran

 

As a non-profit organization, we receive only 37% of our funding from the towns of Westerly, Stonington and the state of Rhode Island. These monies provide our library card holders access to our collection as well as more than 4 million items from libraries throughout Rhode Island and fund a small portion of the library’s general operating expenses. The remaining 63% comes from people like you.

 

On behalf of the Memorial and Library Association, the custodian of Westerly Library and Wilcox Park, please consider a gift to our Annual Fund. It is because of the generosity of others that we can fulfill our mission to strengthen our community and enrich lives by stimulating intellect and sparking imagination through access to literature, information, technology, nature, and the arts. We do this by being:  

  • a place for community engagement where all can attend any of our nearly 1,200 programs, receive social service assistance, access thousands of local history documents, use the creation tools in our Makerspace, experience Virtual Reality, and much more.
  • a haven where young adults can garden, bake, share ideas, and form friendships.
  • a space where children can develop early literacy, learn and socialize through dramatic play, and receive exposure to science, nature and culture.
  • a 15-acre oasis in the heart of our active downtown community.
  • a resource visited more than 260,000 times per year.
  • a sanctuary free and open to the public.

 

Your Annual Fund contribution allows us to offer all of this and more as we strive to be a premier intellectual, cultural, and botanical asset for our region. Help us expand our offerings and continue to be a community hub for Westerly and Stonington. Please be as generous as you can and know that your gift is deeply appreciated.

 

Additional Ways to Give

Become a Sustaining Member

Make donations monthly to Westerly Library and Wilcox Park

IRA Direct Transfer

Donors age 70 1/2 and up can direct money be transferred directly from their IRA to a qualified charity such as the Library and Park.  That amount does count towards the donor's minimum distribution, but no federal income tax is due on the distribution.  This is a unique, tax-wise way to support Westerly Library and Wilcox Park.

Donating Securities

Gifts of Securities are welcome. 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. Please be sure to consult with your financial or tax advisor for specific tax information when giving securities.

Planned Giving

Various types of planned gifts are possible, ranging from a simple bequest in a will or revocable trust to charitable trusts and gifts from retirement plans. An effective gift plan may increase your current income or provide retirement income, while earning a current tax deduction and providing for a future gift to the Memorial and Library Association of Westerly.

Additional Planned Giving Vehicles

Memorial & Celebration Books

Many people like to donate money to purchase books to celebrate special birthdays or to honor the death of friends and family members. The person’s name is placed on a bookplate with an appropriate message.

Amazon Smiles

Support us with every Amazon purchase. To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.  On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), you need to select the Memorial & Library Association before you begin shopping and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.

For more information contact Brigitte Hopkins, Executive Director, at 596-2877 extension 303 or bhopkins@westerlylibrary.org.  

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