Monroe Free Library makes it easier to advertise in its newsletter

Monroe “By the Millpond,” the free quarterly newsletter of the Monroe Free Library, began accepting paid underwriting spots in 2009, when the library added a wraparound color cover. It’s featured advertising from community members like Verticon and Amendola’s Pizza all that time. “And we’re proud of it!” Assistant Library Director Suzanne Skeels said. The library staff, though, have always hoped to carry advertising from smaller businesses - and now, they think they have prices low enough to make it possible. “For the first time, a one-tier slot costs $25. Take off the 20 percent discount for home-based businesses, and we’re a forum where dog walkers and music teachers can advertise their services for twenty bucks,” Skeels said in a press release announcing the new rates. The goal of the redesigned pricing is for the newsletter to double as a guide to Monroe’s business community. “I’d love for us to be a one-stop shop,” Skeels added. “Read the newsletter for the content that’s in it, do the puzzles, and the cooking, and the crafts, and then - want to order dinner? Want to hire a piano teacher? Check out page three - or page seven - or page nine.” The library also offers the 20 percent discount to not-for-profit entities and to members of the Greater Monroe Chamber of Commerce. Businesses that are interested to run an ad can contact the newsletter’s editor, Ian Murphy, at 845-783-4411 or at editor@monroefreelibrary.org. More than 1,500 copies of the quarterly magazine are distributed to retail storefronts and waiting rooms in Monroe and Harriman.