Why do we need a Friends Group?
Libraries of all sizes benefit from the energy and enthusiasm of a local Friends of the Library group. Essentially, a Friends group can be defined as active volunteers who are independently organized to support, promote, improve and expand local library services..
Friends are recognized as one of the most important citizen groups in the library world. Time and time again Friends have brought benefits to libraries as a result of the activities and representation of community needs and interests.
What do Friends Do?
 | Raising public awareness of library services by presenting or sponsoring cultural and educational programs such as Summer Reading, story times, author appearances, community events and seminars
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| Participating in parades to represent the library
Decorating the library at Christmas and hosting the yearly Santa party
Hosting library dinners and lunch for library workshops
Conducting book sales and other fund raising activities to provide money for projects or items not covered by the library's operating budget
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| Communicating the library's financial needs to the governing body or the voters
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| Advocating for increased library services and funding
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| Organizing and or providing volunteers for work on specific or ongoing library projects
Supporting new library services
Recognizing exceptional performance of individual library staff members |
Friends Projects this year include sponsoring Sr. Adult Basic Computer
Classes and Adult Basic Conversational Spanish Classes. Friends also helped out
with funds for the Children's Gazebo project recently completed.
How do I join?
The Friends meet once a month at Kountze Public Library. The usual meeting date is the first
Tuesday of every month at 5:00 p.m. Dues help the organization achieve its goals. Donations to the Friends are tax deductible.
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Friends Group members pictured
below are left to right: Sandra Black, Elaine Allums, President, Cathy Johnston,
Vice-President, Jo Ann Dixon, Treasurer, Marilyn Cox, Library Volunteer, Ruby
Lee Bartlett, Nell Wheeler and Bonnie Ruth Hendrix. Absent from photo, Laurie
Overstreet, Secretary.
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Miley Overstreet, Elaine Allums and Jo Ann
Dixon, Santa Party 2007
Linda McRae, Circulation Librarian assists
Santa & Mrs. Claus
