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Second Century Fund | Volunteers

The Second Century Fund

The Second Century Fund is Abbot Library’s only endowment fund and is specifically for library materials. As a continuing resource, a portion of the earnings of the fund are used to support the Library, supplementing—but not replacing—the public support provided by the Town of Marblehead. It provides additional resources beyond the citizen-approved annual budget so that the Library may maintain all of its collections with the breadth and currency expected by Marblehead residents. The diverse library materials loaned and/or available at Abbot Library are the heart of its ability to provide quality service to its customers. The Second Century Fund monies have been used to purchase a unique art encyclopedia, the first CD-ROMS, the first DVDs, and the first audiobooks for Young Adults, among other excellent library materials.

From its beginnings in 1878 with the gift of Benjamin Abbot, the Library has grown through a unique combination of public funding and the generous support of private citizens. The Second Century Fund was started in 1994 and has raised over $500,000 under the leadership of its first Chair, Judith P. Eissner. It is an ongoing vehicle for voluntary support by all public-spirited citizens who may contribute at any level. All donations are tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes to the full extent of the law as it applies to your tax return. Donations of all amounts are welcome and major donors will be honored.

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