The Friends of Robert Hutchings Goddard Library at Clark University was established in 1972. It is notable in that it is the only Friends group for an academic library in the Worcester area. Its purpose, stated in the Bylaws, is to provide and attract new financial support to enrich the basic collections and activities of the Goddard Library; to provide and attract special collections, rare books, manuscripts, and other library resources; to provide support for the Goddard Collection; to sponsor special projects or programs; to provide a more thorough understanding of the Goddard Library and its role in Clark’s future; to serve as a medium through which persons can advance their own intellectual pursuits and share their enthusiasm for books.
The Friends have supported a wide variety of programs and items, including but not limited to the Library’s preservation program; Goddard’s integrated Endeavor Voyager information system; the electronic reference area; a teaching-oriented video collection; and acquisitions for new tenure-track faculty. They also support the Library’s Leisure Reading program. One of the their most recent initiatives has been publication of Alice Coonley Higgins’ 1999 work “Our Magic Odyssey.” For ordering information click here.
The Friends sponsor several, free public events each year. This year's Friends programs include:
All events are free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Please call 508-793-7573 or email Susan Root (sroot@clarku.edu) in advance to reserve your place. Programs at Goddard Library begin with refreshments at 4:00 PM; the speaker(s) are at 4:30.PM.
Membership is open to all who wish to consider themselves Friends of the Goddard Library. Membership categories include:
Student $5
Friend $25
Bibliophage $50
Bibliotaphe $100
Bibliophile $250
Scholar $500
Fellow $1000
For additional membership information, call Susan Root, Administrative Assistant, Goddard Library, 508-793-7573.