City, library study fundraising question

Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library officials are trying to figure out whether they fall under the umbrella of municipal law or state Education Law when it comes to fundraising, after learning that some library fundraising efforts could conflict with the city of Watertown's ethics code.

In general, libraries are covered by state Education Law. But there is a gray area when it comes to a city library raising funds, because the city ethics code states that city officials can't do any fundraising, and that applies to the library, Watertown City Manager Mary M. Corriveau said.

"The library is covered under state Education Law, but it also shows up on our financial reports, so there is a big question mark on that area," Mrs. Corriveau said. "We need to know whether fundraising has to be done by the Friends of the Library group or if it can be through the trustees. We need to get an answer to that question for the library."

The library fundraising programs that would be affected are those that aren't controlled by the library's main fundraising body, the Friends of the Library. That would include the newly launched Buzz program and fundraising done by the library's Art Literally group.

The library launched the Buzz program in February, which allows library patrons to purchase a book for the library's collection and be the first person to read the book when it comes in. Patrons can purchase the book at the library's discounted rate of $11 or $15. The program was launched because the state funding cuts to libraries may affect the number of books the library can purchase this year.

Mrs. Corriveau said she plans to consult with an attorney about whether all fundraising has to be controlled by the Friends of the Library.

"From the board's point of view, we need to be a little more educated about this," library board of trustees President Maxine M. Quigg said. "One of the reasons I was taken aback when I heard this was that I haven't heard anything about this since I've been on the board, and I'm the main organizer for the Art Literally program, and we have been fundraising."

Mrs. Corriveau met recently with library director Barbara J. Wheeler and Mrs. Quigg to discuss fundraising. Mrs. Wheeler said she anticipates a series of future conversations with Mrs. Corriveau until they can find an answer.

"We've had some discussions about fundraising in the past, but I know the library is doing more and more," Mrs. Corriveau said. "We need an answer about this so we don't get ourselves in trouble in the future."