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It has become clear that in order to build a new library in Waterboro, we need to raise $1m privately. to do this we will need professional assistance. Rep Wagner put us in touch with Ms. Patsy Wiggins (channel 6 and PBS). My conversations with her led me to invite her and Eaton Peabody Consulting Group for a conversation about our desires for a new library and how they might assist us in that endeavor.  They are creating some proposals and will get back to us in the near future. Some notes from that meeting are below.

7-9-09

Present:

Victor and Roxie Wright, Jon Gale and Debbie Downs, Terry Lowell, Gordon Littlefield, Barb and Rod McKenney, Bobbie Gallant, Joe Wagner – State Representative

Patsy Wiggins and Noreen Norton came from Eaton Peabody.

Noreen has expertise in generating economic growth and community development. She also has background in marketing and fundraising.

Patsy brings expertise in television journalism and multi-media production, fundraising as well as extensive experience in covering the State Government.

They both have a lot of contacts across the state and share an awareness of community development as key to project success.

Prior to the meeting, I walked them through the old library, showed them the site of the new one and the buildings up route 5 as far as Lakeside. I spoke to them about the vision for an integrated village from the Binette’s businesses down to the library. Leo and Sandi met them at that time.

Notes from 7/9/09 meeting, combined from notes of Jack and Deb

They asked questions and listened to where we were regarding the new library.

Some things that stood out:

- Both are enthused about our vision of the library as a focal point for the community.

- They have a love of libraries and see the building a library as a way to bring the community together.

- We need to identify who the people and institutions are that would be at the top of the fundraising pyramid. These donors could be either local or state-wide

- Importance of making connections and developing and broadening networks.

It is important to involve all segments of the community – need to figure out how to get them excited and involved. Goal is to elevate conversations already taking place and to create a groundswell.

“Community ownership” of the project is key. - Importance of articulating a shared vision. Sharing voices and most importantly, STORIES. Importance also of connecting ONE on ONE with folks. Most want to be asked for help.

Patsy and Noreen can be involved in a number of different ways depending upon our in-house capabilities (or lack thereof) and would develop a fee schedule based upon what we wish them to do. Could be oversight and direction or could be hands-on work in approaching donors and anything in between. Next step is for them to create a plan which outlines what they might or might not do with costs attached. We can then decide. Obviously we need to get going soon if we are to meet our 2012 deadline.

I will keep you posted

Jack Seery