Wellesley Free Library Foundation Receives a 50K Grant from Wellesley Media Corporation
The Wellesley Free Library and Wellesley Media Corporation have joined forces to provide access to Apple computer equipment and an expanded roster of computer classes in Jackie’s Room at the main library. Wellesley Media Corporation has given the Wellesley Free Library Foundation a grant of $50,000 specifically for Apple products including iPads and MacBook Pro computers. It is a new opportunity for library patrons, as providing Apple equipment was something the library was not able to do before.
Peter Marx, President of Wellesley Media Corporation states, “We are honored to present this gift to the Library because we believe the synergies between the two organizations are significant. We helped the Library determine the next generation of Apple technology, and we are eager to bring our considerable teaching skills into the computer classroom at the Library.”
“Wellesley Media was a wonderful donor with which to partner, and our shared vision was clear early on during discussions,” said Beth Sullivan Woods, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees. “Peter Marx and his board appreciate the role of digital technology in people’s lives, have an education mission and appreciate that the WFL plays a central role in Wellesley, serving all ages of digital learners.”
According to Anna Litten, WFL Technology Education Coordinator, one of the first classes for the public to take advantage of the new equipment will be co-sponsored by the Wellesley Council on Aging, “Choose the Right Technology Option for You”. This class offers a way for the town’s senior citizens to make sense of the myriad technology available today. Upcoming classes include using FaceTime, iCloud, and third party apps for productivity. There will also be a Snap’n’Share class in mobile photos and photo sharing options. The Wellesley Media grant will also allow the Library to begin to provide Apple equipment in the Children’s Room.
A second exciting outcome of this collaboration is that Wellesley Media will begin teaching introductory and advanced classes at the Library in video editing on Apple devices like Macbook Pro and iPads, using software such as iMovie, Final Cut Pro X and Garage Band.
In speaking about the Wellesley Free Library and its place in the community, Ms. Sullivan Woods said, “The WFL serves the entire town – it is the community’s gathering place. We have a superb staff working incredibly hard to provide the very best library services for our patrons. Technology is an increasingly important part of these services; it’s a critical component of the library today. Wellesley Media’s grant to the WFL Foundation enabled the Foundation to help the Library move into Apple technology in a major way for the benefit of our patrons.”
She continues, “The Wellesley community has always been very supportive of the Library. We have terrific supporting organizations – the WFL Foundation, the Centennial Fund and the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries – that help us provide many of the opportunities that our patrons enjoy. This grant from Wellesley Media to the Foundation is an excellent example of what private funding does for the WFL. We are always looking to find new partners to help us stay the best of the best. We are thrilled to work with the Foundation and Wellesley Media Corporation on this new venture!
About Wellesley Free Library Foundation
The Wellesley Free Library Foundation was established by the Library Trustees in 2008 to serve as the main supporting organization of the Library. Working in partnership with the Library’s Administration and Trustees as well as its other supporting organizations (the Centennial Fund and the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries) the Foundation encourages private philanthropy on behalf of the Wellesley Free Library. This strong public/private partnership builds support for the many enrichment opportunities and special endeavors that make the Wellesley Free Library such an outstanding community resource.
About Wellesley Media Corporation
Wellesley Media Corporation provides public access programming to the residents of Wellesley through three channels. The government channel covers all town government meetings. Public and educational channels cover high school and community sports, resident produced shows and interviews, business spotlights, and other locally created shows. Residents can also submit programs seen in other communities by sending in a request to Wellesley Media Corporation. This brings the wide world of public access into local reach. In addition, classes are run to teach residents how to use state of the art equipment and technology to produce programs.
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