The Given Memorial Library and Tufts Archives hosted an elegant evening reception to thank its top 50 donors for their generous support over the past year.

The organization is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity and receives no state or federal library funding, making donations from individuals and community partners absolutely critical to ensure the library and archives' continued existence.

Audrey Moriarty, executive director, thanked everyone for their thoughtful contributions and remarked on the fantastic programs and opportunities that the Library and Archives have to offer. The organization draws people of all walks of life who are interested in details of Pinehurst's rich history as well as those who just want to sit down with the newest best seller.

"We are proud to be able to offer the highest level of service to our patrons and visitors," said Moriarty. "We have several new and exciting programs being implemented that will benefit our patrons and community at large, none of which would be possible without the support of these donors."

"We know that people have many options when deciding where to donate their time and resources and are truly thankful that they've chosen us as recipients," said Jean Funderburg, current president of the Board of Directors.

The Given Memorial Library is the only privately funded library in the state of North Carolina. There is no fee to obtain a library card, and the programming is free to the public. In economic times such as these, the benefits of a community library are significant.

The Tufts Archives is also free to tour and is situated in the back of the Library. It showcases historic photos, documents and artifacts of the Pinehurst area. The Library is located in the heart of historic Pinehurst's Village Green, and visitors are welcome to stop by any time the "fountain is flowing" out front, usually between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For more information on the Given Memorial Library or Tufts Archives, call the Library at (910) 295-6022.