Great libraries make great communities. |
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From The Springfield Republican, October 21, 2009:
Do you think of your friends often and appreciate how much they do for you? Springfield City Library has been blessed with the best of friends since 1984, with the founding of the non-profit organization the Friends of the Springfield Library, Inc. For 25 years their purpose has been to "foster appreciation, conservation and development of the resources of the Springfield City Library system and to cultivate an awareness of the benefits it provides."
This week, October 18-24, marks the fourth annual national Friends of Libraries Week in the United States. In Springfield Massachusetts it is our pleasure to publicly recognize and thank each person who has been a member of this hard working group throughout these many years. Individually and collectively you've donated hours and dollars. Support from the Friends of the Library, given in both time and money, has been immense.
A sampling of programs and events funded by the Friends include: the One Book, One Springfield community-reading program; the Summer Reading Club for children and teens; Branch Library Appreciation Days; the Massachusetts Book Award author series; adult arts and crafts such as the Knit-Lits and Knit-Alongs Groups; the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Indian Orchard Branch Library; arts and crafts for children, including the Valentine Reading Incentive; crocheting and hand looming classes for teens; chess and gaming tournaments for teens; poetry and essay contests; and of course books and books on tape, music and movies. Money from the Friends has purchased book drops, trees and shrubs, plus shelving and signage at many of our branch libraries. They have provided matching funds for grants, enabling the Library to be awarded additional funding for various programs. Extra recognition, acknowledgement, and thanks to the Friends of the Springfield Library for providing funding for starting the Adult Summer Reading Program, initially in 2008 and again in 2009. Indeed "Why Should Kids Have All the Fun?!"
The Friends of the Springfield Library consistently advocate for the welfare of the library system by hosting Legislative Breakfasts, conducting letter writing campaigns and distributing leaflets, or meeting with the Mayor. They have held dinner parties, raffles, walkathons and book sales to raise money for the benefit of library users. Over the past decade the Friends have raised and donated over $200,000 to the Springfield City Library system. As a group they are enthusiastic, tireless and committed!
Referencing their slogan: Great libraries make great communities , current Friends President, Mary Ann Maloney, believes that "this library system is the best cultural asset in the Pioneer Valley." She spoke passionately about the group, and its goal of "promoting lifelong learning and personal achievement for all of our citizens, helping to make us a healthier, more informed and more productive community. Hard times test collective community character. We must keep the libraries open and vibrant."
"We rely on the Friends of the Library so much. When we needed funding for a family literacy project, they were there to purchase the books. When we were overwhelmed with participants in our summer storytime sessions, they stepped up to the plate to help with the crafts activities. It's so good to have the Friends as partners in providing high quality library service to Springfield residents," remarked Youth Services Manager Jean Canosa Albano.
Hopefully upon reading this and learning about the vital role they play in the success of the Springfield City Library system, you will consider joining the Friends. Applications may be picked up at any branch of the Springfield City Library. Annually a membership drive/fundraiser is held, with many levels of sponsorship available. Opportunities abound for Friends members to support the Library.
These days you can be "friended" on Facebook, Friendster or MySpace, but in my mind the friends that really count are the Friends of the Springfield Library!
To join or donate to the Friends, click here!
Friends of the Library FAQ:
Who are the Friends of the Library and what do you do?
What's this I hear about the return of the library Book Sale?
How can I donate items (books and music) for the Book Sale?
I'd like to be more involved with the Friends. What can I do?
Q: Who are the Friends of the Library and what do you do?
A: The Friends of the Springfield Library is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the work of the Springfield Library. The Friends work to promote awareness of library resources, raise funds for special programming, and advocate on behalf of library interests. Your membership directly benefits the libraries. It helps to purchase essential materials such as books, computer programs, updated technology and also helps to ensure the continuance of excellent children's programs. Over 99% of your donation goes directly to these purchases and programs. Mailing costs are our only expenses.
Q: What's this I hear about the return of the library Book Sale?
A: The Friends will not be holding a booksale in 2009.
Q: How can I donate items (books and music) for the Book Sale?
A: Click here for information on book donations.
Q: I'd like to be more involved with the Friends--what can I do?
A: Contact us at Friends@springfieldlibrary.org , or write:
Friends of the Springfield Library
c/o Director's Office
Springfield City Library
220 State Street
Springfield MA 01103
Q: I'd like to show my support for the FOL while enjoying a warm beverage, wearing a stylish t-shirt, or using an umbrella. Any suggestions?
A: We now have mugs, umbrellas, and t-shirts with the Friends of the Library logo on them available for purchase! We also have cute bracelets in kids and adult sizes. All proceeds support library programs. The largest selection of items is at the Central Branch, but each branch has some items.
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