Annual Appeals – 2025
Annual Appeals are currently active for both Latham and Peabody Libraries.
We are grateful for any support you can provide, particularly at this time when cuts to library programs, including ours, are starting to happen. These cuts are due to the refusal of the federal executive branch to release funds for the Institute of Museum and Library Services, funds which are approved by Congress, and are then distributed to public libraries through the Vermont Department of Libraries.
Latham Library – Annual Appeal 2025
Latham will be accepting general donations throughout the year toward operational costs such as materials, programs and the professional services of our librarians. Checks made payable to Latham Memorial Library can be delivered in person or mailed to PO Box 240, Thetford, VT 05074. Donations can also be made online via our Online Donation Form for Latham Library’s 2025 Annual Appeal, or by scanning the QR code below.
Please let the librarians know if you wish to be contacted about options for supporting Latham over time with a special gift to the endowment through a direct gift or a legacy gift in your estate plans.
Latham Memorial Library is recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under section 501(c)3, tax ID 03-6008134.
Peabody Library – Annual Appeal 2025
Donations to Peabody support the collections, programs and maintenance of this gem of a building.
Like other structures of its age, our beautiful 153-year-old building sometimes requires serious attention. Last year, we were able to use grants to help offset the cost of two necessary projects: painting the exterior of the library, and completing an engineering study to help us identify and plan much-needed repairs to ensure the structural integrity of the building. In the year ahead, we are focusing on raising funds for two major repairs: installing a new roof and repairing the building’s foundation. We plan to seek additional grants, but the availability of many of our funding sources remains uncertain at this time. Your gift will help ensure that this historic space remains well-maintained and that its programs and resources may continue to serve generations to come.
Checks should be payable to George Peabody Library, and dropped off or mailed to P.O. Box 190, Post Mills, VT 05058. Donations can also be made online at Online Donation via Stripe for George Peabody Library, or by scanning the QR code below:
George Peabody Library is recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under section 501(c)3, tax ID 03-6025460.
General Information
Public library services in Thetford are funded through a public/private partnership between the taxpayers in town and the investments and fundraising efforts overseen by the Boards of Trustees of Latham Memorial Library, George Peabody Library, and the Thetford Library Federation.
The Thetford Library Federation presents a unified budget request each year for approval at Town Meeting. The town’s generous support covers the majority of staffing costs for both Latham and Peabody, along with some operational costs. We are grateful to generous community donors who provide the remaining funds that are essential for operating our Thetford public libraries.
Latham Memorial Library
Latham Memorial Library is open Monday through Saturday. Through a cooperative agreement, the Latham Board of Trustees serves as the employer for the public librarians who provide services, collection management and programs at both Latham and Peabody. The Latham Trustees are also responsible for upgrades and improvements to the Latham spaces within the Bicentennial Building, such as the renovation of the Community Room in 2022.
Your donations directly support the purchase of books, audiobooks, DVDs, downloadable ebooks and audiobooks, streaming movies, family programs, author events, game nights, educational presentations, and more. For more information, please see the Gift Acceptance Policy, available on the Latham Bylaws and Policies page.
George Peabody Library
The George Peabody Library in Post Mills is currently open on Wednesdays during the school year, and two days per week in the summertime. In addition, the Peabody hosts many special events throughout the year, including the long-beloved tradition of the Penny Carnival. The Peabody Board of Trustees owns and maintains the historic building, which is Vermont’s oldest library building in continuous use. A portion of the original historic collection is available for in-library browsing, while a small but excellent collection of more recent books, audiobooks and DVDs is available to borrow.
Thetford Library Federation
The Thetford Library Federation operates and maintains the Bicentennial Building, providing rent- and utility-free space to the Latham Memorial Library and the Thetford Historical Society Library (more info at https://www.thetfordhistoricalsociety.org). The Federation also provides a unified online catalog for the collections of Latham, Peabody and the Thetford Academy and Thetford Elementary School libraries, and encourages collaboration between all the libraries in town. For more information about the Federation, please visit thetfordvt.gov/community/thetford-library-federation.
Donations to the Federation support the costs of maintaining and operating the Bicentennial Building, and resource sharing between school and public libraries. Donations can be made any time via cash or check payable to Thetford Library Federation, P.O. Box 155, Thetford, VT 05074.
Thetford Library Federation is recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under section 501(c)3, tax ID 23-7187922.
Recent fundraising campaigns for the Federation
From late 2024 to early 2025, the Federation’s Annual Appeal raised over $3,700 to support the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Thank you to the volunteers who helped organize and manage the campaign, and to generous Thetford residents and supporters!