How We Are Funded

Patten Free Library is a private 501(c)(3) organization. We receive a portion of our funding from the City of Bath and the Towns of Arrowsic, Georgetown, West Bath, and Woolwich. In 2024, the municipal assessment is $20.61 per person based on town population.

All of our operating revenue comes from the following:

Fiscal Year 2023-2024

Municipal Support – 31%
Endowment & Trusts – 45%
Annual Fund – 15%
Friends of Patten Free Library – 5%
Fines/Fees & Other – 2%

Individual donations are a crucial part of the Library’s operating revenue. Learn more about supporting the library.

Through our membership in the Maine State Library consortium, we also benefit from federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). These funds help support:

• Free internet through the Maine School and Library Network
• Technology support and shared catalog services through Maine InfoNet
• Interlibrary loan services connecting more than 260 libraries statewide
• Free e-books and e-audiobooks through CloudLibrary
• Free access to online databases through the Digital Maine Library
• Professional development and training for library staff
• Books by Mail service for the blind and visually impaired