By Keeper and Executive Director Tom Hardiman
On October 15-17 the New York Society Library (founded in 1754) hosted the 36th meeting of the Membership Libraries Group, an organization established to foster communication among the remaining membership libraries in America. There were once more than 10,000 membership libraries in the US and now there are 19. It was remarkable that we had representatives from 15 of the 19 at the meeting.
I have attended these meetings since 2000 and have seen a remarkable evolution in the dynamics of the group. Twenty-five years ago, it was largely a chance to boast of successes and promote future plans. The modern group has become far less formal and much more collegial. This year’s meeting started with discussions of organizational challenges and managerial struggles, and a half day session on the evolving landscape of non-profit fundraising in 2025. Since we are all friends in this group, there was a bit of confidential airing of some dirty laundry.
After just a couple of hours of discussion, it was clear that, whether one had a 6-figure budget or an 8-figure budget, we all had the same challenges and struggles, and our laundry all had the same dingy tinge. With that deep commonality established, we could get down to hours and days of intense discussion about how we meet the challenges and cleanse the laundry. It was rapturous. I could never imagine a more intelligent, genuine, or insightful group of colleagues if I tried. I can’t speak for my colleagues, but I left feeling affirmed, informed, and energized to move forward.
Image: L-R: Nina Curley, Development Consultant; Carolyn Waters, New York Society Library; Tienya Smith, NYSL; Leah Rosovsky, Boston Athenaeum; Beth Hessel, Athenaeum of Philadelphia; Katherine Bella, Mechanic’s Institute (San Francisco); Christie Mitchell, Athenaeum Music & Arts Library (LaJolla); Annie Leahy, Mechanic’s Hall (Portland, ME); Laura Pelzer, Charleston Library Society; Caroline Cumming, Folio: The Seattle Athenaeum; John Faherty, Mercantile Library (Cincinnati); Jenny Purtill, Lanier Library (Tryon, NC); Paul Wolfram, NYSL; Andrew Drabkin, Institute Library (New Haven); Matt Burriesci, Providence Athenaeum; Jean Marie Procious, Salem Athenaeum. Photo by Tom Hardiman.
