How We Work

A productive public-private partnership since 1873 advances the Library's work. The Library is supported by a combination of public and private funding and governance.

Town of Concord

The Town of Concord allocates municipal funding for the Library’s operating budget, including staff, utilities, as well as books and materials. The Town’s Library Committee supports policy development and contributes to short term and long-range planning efforts.

Library Corporation

The nonprofit Concord Free Public Library Corporation owns and is responsible for the buildings, grounds, and Special Collections (which includes historical documents, books, and art). The maintenance of and improvements to the buildings and grounds as well as acquisitions for Special Collections are funded by the Library Corporation, either through fundraising or disbursements from the Library Corporation’s endowment. The Library Corporation also contributes to the Library’s book and media collections, provides equipment and materials for the Library’s Workshop makerspace, and sponsors select programming at the Library throughout the year. In addition, the Library Corporation provides funds for large capital projects through campaigns supported by the community.

Friends of the Library

The nonprofit Friends of the Concord Free Public Library support Library programs, including the annual Concord Festival of Authors, museum passes, and some funding for books and materials. The Friends are funded by membership dues and book sale proceeds.