The Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library in Harrisville, RI, is this year’s recipient of an annual Mystic Seaport Library Membership. Through the support of an anonymous donor, Mystic Seaport annually offers any public library in Connecticut, Rhode Island or Long Island the opportunity to receive a library membership to the Museum for one year, a gift valued at $500. The membership allows the library’s cardholders to check out a Museum pass that entitles one family (two adults and up to three children) free admission for a day at Mystic Seaport.
“We are pleased to extend a Museum membership to the Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library,” said Cheryl Mattson, director of the Mystic Seaport membership department. “It is our hope that through the exploration of the Museum’s exhibits, 19th-century village and vessels, maritime history will be brought to life for the library’s cardholders, researchers and librarians.”
Established in 2002, the endowed library fund helps educate children and adults about maritime history. More than 120 of 300 libraries have responded to the offer.
“Our Friends of the Library group typically raises funds for the Mystic Seaport passes,” said Sandra P. Mundy, the library’s director. “We are thankful for this gift because it allows them to direct their energies elsewhere.”
The Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library was originally built in 1894 in the town of Burrillville, RI, by Mary E. Smith in memory of her husband. The library broke new ground in Harrisville in 2006 and reopened in April 2008. Named the third-place winner of Architectural Digest’s Library Award, this open-designed library houses a circulation collection of 82,000 that includes books and periodicals, audio, visual and digital formats. The library serves 6,700 patrons, many of whom visit Mystic Seaport, according to Mundy.
Founded in 1929, Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Located one mile south of exit 90 off I-95 in Mystic, CT, the Museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.mysticseaport.org.
