Schools, police, firefighters and libraries. When most people picture a municipally funded organization, those all might come to mind. But that’s not the reality for Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library (BHML), a non-profit organization that relies on individual donations for almost half its annual budget.  

In 2024, 42% of its budget came from fundraising. The library also requests appropriations from the surrounding towns, totaling about 31% last year: Boothbay Harbor contributed $73,278, Boothbay $74,360, and Edgecomb $2,225. The remaining 27% came from endowments, grants and profits from the used bookstore. 

"We're really trying to make an even bigger effort (to spread the word), and I think it's working, but it is surprising to hear so many people in the community are unaware that we are a nonprofit, that we rely on donations,” said Savannah Fields, development manager. 

According to Executive Director Joanna Breen, most libraries in America are municipally funded, but Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont have a larger portion of non-profit libraries than others. The state identified that almost two-thirds of Maine’s libraries are nonprofits. Why? The Maine Association of Nonprofits says it comes down to the state’s northeastern location and rural status. 

BHML recently ended its annual fundraiser, raising about $155,000 and surpassing its $140,000 goal. One of the heavy hitter events was The Great Gatsby-themed Storybook Ball in September; raising $20,000 made it the largest fundraiser Breen has seen in her decade-long tenure with the organization. 

The smaller contributions from community members average about $100 and are just as important. “The generosity is just really amazing,” said Fields.  

Where does the money go? Beyond facility upkeep, employee salaries and maintaining the collection, BHML invests in robust community programming. The library offers multiple clubs, after-school programs, early literacy kits, free museum passes, and a collection of things patrons can check out (such as Wifi hot spots, or GoPros). BHML's most popular program, “One-on-one Tech Help,” which provides a step-by-step guide on any online or device-related question, remains consistently booked. Free snacks are also offered, so food insecurity, or missed mealtimes, aren't barriers to attending events. 

“Part of the library mission is equity, and equity comes into play in a lot of different ways,” said Breen.  

BHML is already gearing up for another round of fundraising for its 2026 budget, in addition to a large-scale capital campaign to renovate the library. The proposed renovation includes increased accessibility, improving the used bookstore, expanding the children’s room and community areas, and creating a dedicated space for teens. To learn more, or get involved or donate, find more information at next100.bbhlibrary.org

“When we're fundraising for the library, we're fundraising for the community," said Breen.