Lifelong Learning Happens Here: Westport Library Launches 2025-26 Annual Appeal

The Westport Library has officially launched its 2025-26 annual appeal, its annual fundraising campaign, with the goal of raising $335,000 to secure full funding for the Library’s operations and allow us to continue to provide the vast majority of our programming for free or at low cost.

The Town of Westport funds approximately 75% of the Library’s operating budget. The remaining 25% is raised through special events like BOOKED for the evening and private donations like those provided during the annual appeal.

This year’s annual appeal will run from October 1, 2025, through January 31, 2026. Donations will be accepted throughout the appeal on the Library’s donation page.

The theme for this year’s appeal will once again focus on lifelong learning, a core part of the Library’s mission, as evidenced through our Verso University lifelong learning and education initiative; our book- and author-focused programming and talks; Verso Studios, the media and multimedia training arm of the Library; our amazing kids and teen programming that engage and inspire; and much, much more.

Every day, patron support brings the Library to life:

• On our Community Crew Call Production Team, a local teen runs camera during a sold-out Shonda Rhimes event, discovering the excitement of live storytelling and the pride of being part of a professional production.
• In our language conversation groups, a newcomer practices English for the first time with neighbors — building confidence, friendships, and a true sense of belonging.
• At an author talk with Doris Kearns Goodwin, a lifelong history lover is moved to tears, inspired by stories that connect our nation’s past to our community’s future.

This is the power of lifelong learning — and the money raised by the annual appeal makes it possible.

Support from our community ensures that learning remains accessible to all, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. It allows us to expand programs, update technology, and much more, ensuring that this library will continue to be a place where curiosity sparks, knowledge grows, and lives are enriched every single day.

We will promote the appeal through a robust fundraising drive aimed both to raise money and to thank the community for its longtime and ongoing support. Elements of the campaign will include dedicated social media headlined by video testimonials from patrons of all ages, banners in and around the Library and on Main Street, inclusion in our 2024-25 annual impact report, robust email marketing, and letters to donors.