3.
I’m interested in Nantucket history. Are the Atheneum’s
Nantucket collections available to me?
Absolutely.
The Atheneum’s “world-class” collection
of Nantucket-related books, journals, newspapers, art
and artifacts are available to scholars as well as to
those simply interested in their own exploration of the
island’s history.
4.
I don’t get into town much. How can I take advantage
of the Atheneum?
If
you are homebound, the Atheneum offers free delivery of
books, CDs, tapes and videos. For all cardholders, there
is also direct access to the online databases of the Atheneum’s
reference services. Also, reference librarians are happy
to respond to your questions by e-mail.
5.
Does the Atheneum offer anything special for children?
The
Weezie Library for Children offers a wide variety of weekly
story times, dance and music activities, summer reading
programs and visits by well known authors, performers
and artists. The Weezie Library is a tremendous resource
for year-round and visiting young people.
6.
What is the Atheneum’s current annual operating
budget?
The
annual operating budget is $1,175,000. This covers the
costs of day-today operations providing curatorial, preservation
and program services.
7. What does it cost me to use Atheneum services?
Your
Atheneum card provides access to virtually all of our
services and is issued to residents at no cost. The card
is available to out of state residents for fifteen dollars.
8.
With little direct revenues, how does the Atheneum survive?
Great
question! The Atheneum must rely on both public and private
funding sources. The Town of Nantucket’s support
provides our largest single source of funding representing
39% of our total budget. The remaining funds must be raised
through annual membership gifts, support from foundations,
bequests, and other major donors. Without the generous
support of all of these donors, Atheneum services would
be significantly reduced or perhaps eliminated to some
extent.
9.
What about the Atheneum’s endowment? Doesn’t
it fill the “gap”?
The
Atheneum has a very modest endowment and receives a small
percentage of income from it. Balancing the budget really
depends on generous annual giving by those who care deeply
about the Atheneum’s ongoing contributions to life
on Nantucket.
10.
I’d like to visit. What are the current operating
hours?
The
Atheneum is open every day except Sundays and Mondays.
Operating
hours are 10 am to 5 pm Wed, Fri and Sat. And, 10 am to 7:30 pm Tues and Thurs. YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.
