How do we make it all work?

How do we make it all work?

Unlike most libraries, the Cotuit Library is an independent non-profit. That means that, while we get about half of our funding from the Town of Barnstable, each year we need to raise the other half. We do that through fund drives, events and grants.

Over time we have been able to set aside money to cover emergencies and fill funding gaps. But in order to truly sustain the library, we need to build on what we have so we can ensure steady, reliable resources for all that we do year-to year.

We do a lot with a little. In 2023, the library’s budget was $417,000, and in 2025 we expect to spend about $500,000.

Since 2012, our expenses have increase by an average of 2.7% per year, about half the rate at which the CPI has risen. Had our budget increased in line with historical price increases, we would be spending considerably more.

Meanwhile, our patrons seek more — and more complex — services in all areas, including access to technology and a broader range and quantity of materials and programs.

As the Cape’s year-round population continues to grow, we are thrilled to see increased interest in what the library offers. That also means we are placing greater demands on our facility, staff and programs.

Make an Impact Today

Contribute to our Annual Fund

Your support makes a difference! We welcome and appreciate donations of all levels. All donations go to our daily operations. New materials, exciting programs, and fabulous staff are just a few of the wonderful ways your contributions create positivity at Cotuit Library.

Looking to make a significant impact? Consider joining our Giving Society by making a contribution of $500 or more. Our Giving Society gathers annually each August to celebrate the meaningful change their members have had on the library and community.

Tribute Contributions

What a lovely way to honor a family or friend. Memorial, honorary, and celebration gifts are listed in our Annual Report, and the recipient (or their family) is notified of your thoughtful gift. Be sure to check "Make this a Tribute Contribution" during your online donation process, or call the library at (508) 428-8141 to ensure your gift is appropriately named.

Planning Giving

Planned Giving means setting aside a bequest in your will for the library.  Please note:  The Cotuit Library and its staff and representatives cannot provide legal or tax advice on making bequests.  We advise you to consult an estate attorney, a tax professional, or another expert when making a bequest. This page provides descriptions of common ways donors make bequests to the library and is designed to provide the basis for starting a conversation with a legal or tax professional. Information on this page or elsewhere in the library's materials should not be construed as legal, tax or other advice.  

Options for supporting the library include:

  • Making a bequest, which means giving to the library at the time your estate gets settled. In order to make a provision for a gift to the Library from your estate, we advise you to consult an attorney. 

  • Naming the library as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, such as a 401(k), 403(b), IRA, Keogh or profit-sharing pension plan. This can be an attractive option because it accomplishes a charitable goal while realizing significant tax savings. Passing assets on to heirs can be costly because of heavy tax consequences. By naming the Cotuit Library as a beneficiary of a retirement plan, the donor maintains complete control over the asset while living, but at the donor’s death, the plan passes to support the library free of both estate and income taxes. You can request a change-of-beneficiary form from your plan administrator or specify a beneficiary via your plan administrator's website. When you have finished, please return the form to your plan administrator and notify the Cotuit Library.  

  • Setting up a charitable remainder trust can be a good option. A charitable remainder trust allows you to get tax benefits from gifting the trust to the library during your lifetime, and at the same time, you continue to receive income from the trust during your lifetime. At the time of the donor's demise, the remaining assets in the trust would go to the designated beneficiary. Your attorney can work with you to set up a charitable remainder trust.