Concord Free Public
Library Corporation
A Historic Public Private Partnership
The nonprofit Concord Free Public Library Corporation has been dedicated to sustaining and enhancing the spaces, services, and historical collections of the Library since 1873. Guided by a commitment to access, excellence, and community impact, the Library Corporation plays a vital role in sustaining the Library as a cornerstone of Concord – supporting a vibrant hub where history, learning, and connection come together.
How You Can Help
Your support fuels learning, creativity, and community. Donate now and create lasting impact.
New additions to the Main Library Children’s Garden were made possible by a generous gift made in loving memory of Peter T. Jacobsen by his family. A fun celebration included…
A life-size bronze sculpture of 19th-century literary figure and women’s rights advocate Margaret Fuller was donated to the Library Corporation and unveiled to the public on May 23, 2026. The…
On March 28, 2026, the Library Corporation and The Munroe Society celebrated the acquisition of two extensive Alcott collections from collectors Kent Bicknell and Tim Mather, along with several significant…
Learn About Our Special Collections
Explore the collections that preserve and interpret the culture and history of Concord, Massachusetts
FAQS
Have questions about Concord’s unique nonprofit Library Corporation?
We’ve outlined key information to guide you.
What is the Concord Free Public Library Corporation?
The nonprofit Concord Free Public Library Corporation is the private portion of the public-private partnership in place since the Concord Free Public Library’s founding in 1873. The roles and responsibilities of the Library Corporation and the Town of Concord are governed by a formal agreement. The Library Corporation is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees who collaborate closely with the Library Director to ensure exceptional facilities and services are provided to the Concord community and beyond.
What are the responsibilities of the Library Corporation?
The Library Corporation owns and is responsible for maintaining the buildings, grounds, and William Munroe Special Collections (which includes historical documents, books, and art). Any improvements to the buildings and grounds or acquisitions for Special Collections are funded by the Library Corporation, either through fundraising or disbursements from the Library Corporation’s endowment. The Library Corporation also contributes to the Library’s book and media collections, provides equipment and materials for the Library’s Workshop makerspace, and sponsors select programming at the Library throughout the year.
How does the Library Corporation support the Library?
The work of the Library Corporation is supported by generous donors. Each year, the Library Corporation contributes over $1,000,000 for buildings and grounds; Special Collections exhibitions, programs, and acquisitions; insurance; security; equipment; books and materials; and scholarships. We thank our donors for their continuing support!
How do I make a donation to the Concord Free Public Library Corporation?
You can click on the GIVE NOW button above to be directed to the Network For Good interface. You can also mail a check to: Concord Free Public Library Corporation, Attn: Director of Development, Sofia Ghannam, 129 Main Street, Concord, MA 01742. More details and additional giving options are in the Gift Policy [link]. The Library Corporation runs two appeals each year in the fall and in the spring with mailings sent to Concord families and other Library supporters.
Are gifts to the Library Corporation tax-deductible?
Yes, the Concord Free Public Library Corporation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and gifts to the Library Corporation are tax deductible to the extent provided by law (EIN: 04-2121328).
What do my taxes pay for?
Library staffing, including the Library Director and Special Collections Curator, books and material, some programs, and utilities are funded directly by the Town of Concord through the annual Town budget, and are not in the purview of the Library Corporation.
Who are the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library?
The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library is a separate nonprofit organization, independent of the Library Corporation, that raises funds through its book sales and membership dues to support programs, museum passes, and library materials.