The Patrons of the New Haven Public Library (Patrons), a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, was incorporated to enhance the collections, programs and services of the New Haven Free Public Library beyond the means of public funding. The Patrons is the catalyst in sparking private funding and endowments to enrich the New Haven Free Public Library system.

 PATRONS OF THE

NEW HAVEN FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Mission

The Patrons is dedicated to raising funds from the private sector through individuals, the corporate/business community and foundations to strengthen and promote Library services in the community and neighborhoods by expanding the utilization of the Library by:

• Raising funds to ensure that the public library has the resources necessary for programs and services that support enrich the library system;

• Promoting life-long learning, cultural exploration and the understanding of the library’s critical contributions to the residents of New Haven, the region and to community organizations;

• Enhancing the library’s efforts to foster a sense of community;

• Improving the quality of life by hosting and sponsoring special programs and community events. Programs and events and acknowledge the personal generosity of donors and, celebrate the important role their gifts play in the growth, development and success of the Library.

Donors: Continue efforts to work closely with current donors and cultivate new donors to provide sustainable support for programs, services and community outreach efforts not fully funded by the City’s General Fund budget.

Board: Add new members to the Patrons Board of Directors, who will bring diversity, skills and professional expertise, to steer us along in efforts to generate and promote awareness and to remain one the best urban libraries in the New Haven Region.

 Accomplishments

2006
New Branch: The opening of the newly constructed Courtland Seymour Wilson Branch Library, in September 2006, and closure on the Campaign for New Haven’s Library of the 21st Century.

Conexión:  The creation of Conexion, a technology and community information literacy program, specifically targets the Hispanic community residing in the Hill neighborhood. Conexión’s objective is to reach out to Spanish-speaking parents and introduce them to useful and high-quality Spanish language Internet websites, books and other resources that will provide them with information essential to modern day services or needs.

Award: The Institute of Museum and Library Services Grant: The Greater New Haven Family Learning Partnership. This grant is a two year collaboration of libraries, museums, arts and cultural institutions with the Connecticut Children’s Museum and Connecticut Public Broadcasting Inc. This project builds on the initiative of Parents and Communities for Kids (PACK) creating the role of parents as their children’s “first and best teacher” and family learning through 16 community classrooms.

PATRONS OF THE NEW HAVEN FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Board of Directors

 Mr. Michael J. Morand, President

Office of State & New Haven Affairs, Yale University

Ms. Maureen O. Grieco, Vice President

Development Officer, Office of Development, Yale Medical School

Ms. Elsie B. Chapman, Treasurer

Retired, IBM Corporation

Mr. James C. Welbourne, Secretary

City Librarian

Ms. Lisa Fecke

   Government Relations Specialist, Gaffney Bennett & Associates

Mr. Keith Bradoc Gallant

   Attorney, Day Pitney LLC

Ms. Kim A. Healey

   Executive Director, NewAlliance Foundation

Ms. Amanda Patrick

   Director of Development, Yale University Library

Mrs. Margaret S. Watley

   Retired Teacher, New Haven Public Schools

Mr. Jon Wilson

   PGA Golf Professional

Ms. Rosanne Zudekoff

   Director of Communications & Community Relations
    Albertus Magus College

Board of Directors

Mr. Keith Bradoc Gallant, Chair

Attorney, Day Pitney LLC

Ms. Elsie B. Chapman, Vice Chair

Retired, IBM Corporation

Ms. Marlene Woodman, Treasurer

Executive to President, Charter Oak Community College

 Ms. Dolores Colon

  Alderwoman, City of New Haven, (6-D)

Ms. Helen Martin-Dawson

  Retired, Webster Bank

Mr. John E. Donatich

  Director, Yale University Press

Ms. Joyce Holmes

  Associate Professor, Gateway Community College

Ms. Claudia Merson

  Office of State & New Haven Affairs, Yale University