5th Grader Raises Funds to Boost Library Service

MARSHFIELD - Ruth Meberg, a young Marshfield resident, was formally recognized by the Select Board at its May 19 meeting for her remarkable efforts in raising over $3,000 to restore a valued digital library service.

Earlier this year, the Ventress Memorial Library faced a spending freeze that forced the reduction of digital checkouts on its Hoopla platform. The library’s director, Cyndee Marcoux, explained how Meberg stepped up with an idea to reverse the cutbacks.

“Ruth, who loves Hoopla, asked what she could do to increase that backup,” Marcoux said. “She wrote a letter that went through the contact us at town hall, which was forwarded to me. And she suggested a fundraiser of a bake sale.”

Working alongside her family and library staff, Meberg organized and led a bake sale that was, in Marcoux’s words, “extremely successful.” The sale generated $3,021.30, which allowed the library to increase monthly Hoopla borrows from two items per user to five.

“She just was amazing…we were busy all day. Almost every single baked good was sold,” Marcoux said. “I think that Ruth is a shining example of community spirit.”

Meberg received a certificate of appreciation from the Select Board.

Board members were quick to commend her civic-mindedness and initiative.

“You saw a problem that existed in our community and you wanted to help other children be able to basically more than double the number of books that they can borrow from Hoopla each month,” said Select Board Vice Chair Stephen R. Darcy. “Thank you for doing that and stepping up.”

Board Chair Patricia Simpson added, “It’s really good to give of yourself and starting at a young age.”

Board members and town counsel posed for a photo with Meberg following the presentation.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to accept the donation, which will be processed through the town’s standard channels.

Finally, library trustee Wally Coyle added one more word of praise: “I have it on good authority that I think she earns more money in that time than Taylor Swift does in one hour.”

For more Marshfield news, visit South Shore Times' Marshfield homepage.