Farmington Libraries

1997-2007 : Expansion and Garden Tours

The most recent decade has been marked by several major developments, most notably the expansion of the main library and the demise of Dickens. The “Friends” continued their strong support for construction programs by giving $72,000 for the 2001-2003 expansion. With the void created by not having Dickens, in 1999 the committee started another event that has proved to be very successful and popular—the annual garden tour. The garden tour, held on a Saturday in June, usually features six to eight gardens in town, plus a boutique and luncheon. This fund-raiser has made $6,000-10,000 for the library annually.



Here are some of the leaders of the very first garden tour in 1999.


The annual book sale has reached new highs in funds raised; it earned over $16,000 in 2006. In order to ease the strain on the physical facilities for the regular sale, some books are now sold continually at the “Book Nook”; and two smaller Saturday sales are held in the fall, for children’s books and coffee-table books.



The book sale Saturday crew in 1999

1997-2007 : Leaders and the Future

The Chairmen of the committee during this period have been:
1997-1999: Kathy Leary
1999-2000: no Chairman
2000-2005: Fran Raymond
2005-2007: Jessie Saxton & Holly Walden

Kathy Leary (left) & Fran Raymond (right)

Other events held during the past eleven years include an American Girl party, more Culture Caravans, a benefit golf tournament in honor of John Grouten, a photo contest, holiday open houses, a tag sale, and the sale of several kinds of merchandise—book pins, book bags, bookmarks, ornaments, Entertainment Books, note cards, etc.

To the right is a collage of photos of various Friends events during the past decade.

In total, the “Friends” now contribute about $30,00-35,000 each year to the library for programs, equipment, and materials. Most of this support is made possible by the generosity of the townspeople of Farmington and Unionville.

The Friends thank you for your help over the years, and we look forward to another glorious sixty years!

Gifts to the Library 2006-2007