There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.
Margaret J. Wheatley
At the Nantucket Atheneum
we take care of our hardworking staff who create year-round learning opportunities that empower and inspire.
WE ASK YOU TO HELP SECURE THE LIBRARY’S FUTURE
Housing on Nantucket has become an urgent problem, one that hasn’t spared the employees of the Atheneum.
The Atheneum purchased a property at 9 Cachalot Lane with two four bedroom properties, for a total of eight move-in ready units and shared common spaces for our staff.
In less than a year, the Atheneum lost five treasured staff members — all dedicated professionals who chose to leave the island because of the scarcity and expense of available housing. The Cachalot Lane purchase was essential in ensuring that the island’s free public library and cherished historic landmark can continue to attract and retain high-quality, professional staff. Affordable housing remains a critical issue for many Nantucket institutions, and the Atheneum is please to offer a long-term solution.
Recognizing the vital role that the staff plays for the library and the urgent housing need they faced, the Atheneum Board acted swiftly to secure housing with interim financing. As good stewards of the library, the Board will rely on the support and generosity of friends and donors to assist in retiring the debt through a MAJOR GIFT initiative.
20%
staff attrition due to housing insecurity.
8
move-in ready units available for library staff to call home.
75%
of our operating budget is from our generous donors.
We want to take good care of our hardworking staff who create year-round learning opportunities for the whole community. Their job is to empower and inspire, and our job is to empower and enable them to do the best work they can for this incredible community.
Executive Director Ann Scott
Having housing for our valued staff will enable them to focus on providing exceptional programming and services without having to be concerned about where to live.
The Chair of the Atheneum Board Tracy Flannery
THANK YOU from all of us! You are doing something GOOD!
