$5K awarded to Sanbornton Public Library through Franklin Savings Bank

FRANKLIN ― Franklin Savings Bank recently granted $5,000 to the Sanbornton Public Library to support the preservation of an outdoor space for library programs and to connect kids to nature. 

The Sanbornton Public Library is undertaking a community-focused project designed to preserve a beloved historic maple tree while enhancing outdoor educational opportunities for local children and families. Grant funding will go toward hiring a professional arborist to help prolong the life of the tree, which serves as a centerpiece for the library's outdoor programming space and community events.

“Community libraries play a vital role in bringing people together, inspiring lifelong learning, and creating opportunities for children and families to connect with their communities,” said Brian Bozak, president & CEO of Franklin Savings Bank. “We are proud to support the Sanbornton Public Library's efforts to preserve a cherished local landmark while expanding outdoor educational experiences that foster a love of reading, nature, and local history. This project is a wonderful example of how community spaces can enrich lives for generations to come."

The project also includes replacing temporary story walk signs with permanent displays, creating a more accessible and engaging experience for year-round use. In partnership with the local elementary school, the library plans to develop a nature-based educational program that incorporates the library grounds, story walk, and historic tree, encouraging children to explore reading, local history, conservation, and the natural environment through interactive outdoor learning experiences. 

"Thank you to Franklin Savings Bank for giving us this Community Engagement grant to allow us to continue to connect with the community to encourage reading, a love of nature and the library,” said Rebekka Mateyk,  library director at the Sanbornton Public Library. “Our goal is to care for a beloved 200-year-old tree by hiring an arborist and building awareness of nature and the library with school children. Connecting with local schools and partnering with organizations is a way for our library to increase its impact within the community. We hope to create many partners for the stewardship of trees in our community and connection with the library to support and encourage lifelong learning."

For more information about Sanbornton Public Library, visit splnh.com. For more information about Franklin Savings Bank, visit fsbnh.bank.