by Jill Funke

Across the country, people are joining together in support and encouragement of their local libraries. This movement has been named Friends of Libraries U.S.A. The mission of this organization is to motivate and support state and local library groups across the country in their efforts to preserve and strengthen libraries, and to create awareness and appreciation of library services by assisting in developing friends groups in order to generate local and state support; providing guidance, education and counsel on issues and concerns relevant to friends, trustees, foundations and libraries; promoting the development of strong and effective library advocacy programs; serving as a clearinghouse of information and expertise; establishing locations of historical literacy significance around the country as literary landmarks; and promoting reading and literacy through the national Books for Babies program. Friends of Libraries U.S.A. local groups gain a wealth of additional resources that they can utilize to better assist public, academic and school libraries.

The Larchwood Public Library recently reorganized their local Friends of the Library group. Twenty-six people added their names to the sign up sheet indicating they are interested in helping with library projects. At the first two meetings, twelve to fifteen people have been in attendance, and organizers think that even more people will be present at subsequent meetings. The first activity the group is undertaking is a walking taco feed and bake sale scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 3rd at the Larchwood Gym. At 1:00 p.m. that day, Toni Merk will be staffing the bake sale table to accept donations from the community. Everyone is welcome to contribute to the sale and members of the community are encouraged to stop by and eat as many tacos as they can eat for a freewill donation. This event is also a membership drive for the Larchwood Friends of the Library group. Single memberships are $10 each, family memberships are $15 and memberships for organizations are $25. In addition, the Friends of the Library group will accept other contributions in any amount. Friends of the Library group members are usually civic minded men and women who know that quality library service is important to the community. These people are organized into a group to support, improve, promote and expand the library. Friends of the Library represent citizen participation and assistance for the library.

One of the motivations behind this fundraiser is the need for a new water heater in the library. Library officials are in the process of getting bids to replace the current water heater, which isn’t currently functioning. Monies raised at the walking taco feed and membership drive will be applied toward the purchase of the new water heater.

At the first Friends of the Library meeting, members discussed how frequently they should meet, as well as having fundraisers and other ways to involve the community. Judy Kerkvliet and Sharon Meffert are co-chairing the group, and Connie Herring and Melanie Robinson are acting as co-secretary/treasurers. Because the library is utilized by the community surrounding Larchwood, the group plans on contacting people in the entire community to procure more involvement and support. In addition to monetary support, the Friends of the Library group will also help with supplies and other needs of the library. Programs such as the summer reading program, story time and other events utilize crayons, paper and other items which need to be replaced on a regular basis. Friends of the Library can also help purchase new books, movies and many other materials.