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We are the Friends of the Smith College Libraries

Recent Support

The Many Facets of Friends’ Support

Performing Arts Librarian Marlene Wong with student

Performing Arts Librarian Marlene Wong with student

Information Commons, Neilson Library

Information Commons, Neilson Library

Strengthening Library Collections

A portion of Friends' annual income is devoted to new acquisitions. Additionally, the FSCL Preservation Fund supports special preservation and conservation projects.

Improving Library Spaces and Equipment

We recently completed fund raising for a new reading room in Neilson Library.  Over the years, we have provided new furnishings and equipment and contributed to renovations both large and small. See Milestones for specific examples.

Supporting Students

Learning to take full advantage of library resources and services is essential to a successful academic career. We encourage participation in library orientations with a small gift for new students.

Students who work in the libraries play an important part in day-to-day library operations. We celebrate their work by purchasing books to honor student library assistants as they graduate.

From time to time, we host panel discussions about careers in library and information science.

Building Endowment

Providing for the long-term well being of the libraries has always been a strategic focus of Friends' support. Over the years, endowments have been created and built up to address specific needs, for example, over $40,000 has been contributed to the FSCL Preservation Fund to help protect valuable library materials. See Fundraising Goals for more examples of new and existing endowments.

Supporting Staff

We provide an annual Staff Development Grant to enable staff to pursue special training opportunities.

Supporting the Smith Community

Each year, we host a number of events. These are often inspired by treasures in the collections, or research conducted by faculty or outside scholars using the libraries' special collections. See News and Events.

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