Sally Stretch Keen Memorial Library (Vincentown)

Thank you for your support of the Sally Stretch Keen Memorial Library, where books are just the beginning!

In 2023, the Sally Stretch Keen Memorial Library celebrates 100 years of service to Southampton. That's 100 years as a place for books and learning, as well as being the heart of our community, all largely due to private donations from our supporters. 

Built to honor her mother, the library was created by Vincentown native Mary Irick Drexel, who married into the wealthy Philadelphia family. Like other Drexels, she embraced the idea of making the world a better place for others through practical philanthropy. 

To mark our 100th anniversary, the Board of Trustees has decided the best way to honor Mary's gift and legacy in the community is to properly preserve our historic Georgian Revival building for future generations. Specifically we need the brickwork repointed to prevent further exterior and interior water damage, restoration of the many windows, as well as other repairs to keep the building sound. 

The New Jersey Trust for Historic Preservation has recognized the significance of our history, architecture and mission with a matching grant for the capital improvemenmt. The portion the library needs to raise for the repairs is $57,000.  This is in addition to our normal fundraising to keep the library open.  

We are asking for your help, not just as part of our community, but as one who values the literacy, culture and creativity that our libraries foster. The preservation of our historic building assures that we can continue our mission well into the future.

We look forward to you becoming a part of the library's legacy with a generous donation!