Who are the Friends of the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library?
The Friends of the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library is a non-profit 501(c)3 volunteer organization that actively promotes community participation in library programs and supports the library’s growth and development.
Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library Friends Board
The Friends of WWML Board and the library director meet nine times a year, on the second Wednesday of the month, to review finances, plan fundraising and support library programs and services.
Friends of Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library Officers:
President, Caroline Henningsen
Secretary, Dawn Hocevar
Treasurer, Diane Atkinson
Library Director
Jennifer Sullivan
Friends Board:
Laura Barr
Jill Boffa
Holly Hopkins
Karen Reilley
Kate Waldron
Rayzl Feuer, President Emerita
The Outdoor Library Project
The Outdoor Library Project will be a reimagined garden space which functions as an extension of the library for activities such as children’s story time, reading and cultural gatherings.
COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT: The WWML's “OUTDOOR LIBRARY PROJECT”
In Stony Creek, at the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library (WWML), “the backyard” is undergoing a remarkable transformation with the "Outdoor Library Project." This initiative, born out of the need for safe, outdoor community space during the pandemic, envisions the library's backyard as a reimagined garden space. Functioning as an extension of the library, this area will be dedicated to activities such as children’s story time, reading, and cultural gatherings. The project takes advantage of the unused potential of this space and furthers the library's role as a community hub.
Friends of WWML: Spearheading the Transformation
The Friends of the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, a dedicated non-profit organization, has taken the lead in bringing this vision to life. Chaired by local resident and Friends Board member Kate Waldron, the WWML Outdoor Library Committee is leading this endeavor. The committee has been working with landscape architect Shavaun Towers to develop a plan for the outdoor space. Their goal is to make the existing plan a reality.
Envisioning a Dynamic Outdoor Library
The project aims to create a versatile space that serves various community needs. From reading and relaxation areas to spaces for programming and educational exploration, the backyard will be a haven for community engagement and enjoyment. The inclusion of a terrace with tables, educational signage focusing on local plant material, and areas for community cultural gatherings are part of this plan.
Progress and Community Involvement
The project has already seen significant progress with the installation of a mid-century modern fence which is in keeping with the architecture of the library itself, marking the first phase of the transformation. This development was made possible through a generous donation from local residents, the Richter family, who share a deep love for both the outdoors and the library.
As the project enters its next phase, the committee is focused on plant selection and landscape design, crucial steps in bringing the envisioned space to life. This phase presents an opportunity for the community to contribute and participate in the project's success.
Residents are encouraged to visit the library, view the design plans, and get involved in this exciting community project by making a donation. For more information, please leave a message for Kate Waldron at the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library (203-488-8702). Together, we can create an outdoor library space that reflects the vibrant spirit of our community.
What do the Friends do?
Contributions from the Friends membership have enabled us to provide programs that appeal to the wide variety of citizens in the community. Here is a sampling of Friends’ sponsored programs:
Monthly art shows, including the ever popular annual Stony Creek Art Show
Cultural programs such as author talks, art classes, floral design workshops, environmental and nature presentations, musical performances, poetry readings, writing workshops, Friday night films and more
Children’s activities such as nature talks, the Summer Reading Program schedule, the Gingerbread House workshop, afternoon crafts and films, holiday celebrations and more
The Friends purchase passes to area museums and parks. Free or discounted passes may be checked out to Mystic Seaport and Aquarium, Maritime Aquarium, Mark Twain House, Peabody Museum, New Britain Art Museum, Beardsley Zoo, Florence Griswold Museum, the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hill-Stead Museum and others
Members receive postcards of upcoming events and monthly art exhibit cards.
Contributions to the Friends enhance the quality of the programs and services offered at the library. We also use funds to:
Support the professional development of our library staff
Purchase materials that would otherwise not be funded
Share the cost of library renovations and technology
How do the Friends raise money for these worthy projects?
All of our funding comes from you and goes directly to the library. We rely on you for membership fees, donations, and purchasing items at our fundraisers.
Please support the FRIENDS and the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library programs and services:
Checks can be dropped off at the library or mailed:
Friends of Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library
146 Thimble Islands Road
Branford, CT 06405
You can also donate online using PayPal:
Questions about the Friends or becoming a member?
Interested in volunteering?
