Library cancels annual benefit

KENT — The Kent Memorial Library Annual Benefit is a tradition put on by the Friends of the Library in June. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, KML has decided to postpone the annual Benefit until circumstances allow for large group gatherings.

Library Director, Sarah Marshall says, “Our gracious hosts on Treasure Hill remain steadfast in their willingness to share their beautiful property with us at a later date. Treasure Hill is an undeniably gorgeous location in Kent, symbolic of our own “treasure” — this gem of a Library.”

The library is meeting its patrons’ needs by offering regular online programs, sharing information to benefit the community, and increasing access to online resources. Staff members are working to engage with the town and provide comfort during this difficult time while also seeking new avenues of financial support from grants and loans.

“Our operating expenses rely heavily on fundraising, and the Benefit was our major fundraiser of the year,” Marshall said. “We are hoping to mitigate potential loss of revenue due to the coronavirus quarantine by having extra support from our Library family. We hope that, if we must cancel the Benefit for 2020, our patrons will consider a donation to the Library. Please help the Library continue the good work we do for our community, as we are needed more than ever. We thank you in advance.”

The Kent Memorial Library’s mission is to enrich the lives of individuals and the community by providing materials, programs, and services to encourage reading, learning and imagination. Visit kentmemoriallibrary.org for more information.