By Holly Roeder
Staff Writer
The Chester County Library will host an open house from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. tonight, Thursday, Jan. 30, to reintroduce the Friends of the Library. Who are these friends? Well, it could be you.
Friends of the Library is an important, volunteer based group essential to enabling local libraries in providing opportunities and services to their communities. That may sound like a mouthful, but the reality is libraries serve their communities in many ways, but “Friends” groups can do so much more.
“We need Friends of the Library to provide support, both volunteer and monetarily, in hosting events like Stress Awareness Day and the Ornament Painting program,” said CC Library Director Savannah Gilbert.
Gilbert further explained that while members of Friends groups are very helpful in assisting libraries with book sales and other events, a Friends group is actually required for many grant opportunities. Implementing Friends of the Library in Chester County will enable the local library to be eligible for grants relating to STEM programming, Bookshelves and equipment for the library.
If all of this sounds vaguely familiar, it is because Friends of the Library is not new to Chester County, however, there are currently no active members.
Chester County Friends of the Library events in the past include the Bookin’ it for the Library Race, the Community Yard Sale, workshops on genealogy, gardening and more, and the publication and sale of the Chester County Cookbook. None of these could have been possible without Friends.
The open house will be an informational meeting only, with no commitment necessary.
A representative from Jackson/Madison County Friends of the Library will be on hand to address duties – and rewards of being a “Friend.”
Refreshments will be provided.
Chester County Library seeks friends
Thursday, Jan. 30
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Are you interested in being part of an organization that helps the community?
Do you love the library or reading?
Consider becoming a Friend of the Library!
The Chester County Library is seeking individuals interested in becoming a Friend of the Library (FOL). FOL members advocate for the library by spreading word about the library and library events, working with the library to plan fundraisers on behalf of the library and by supporting their local library.
Stop by the open house or Facebook Event Page to learn more and to see what it takes to become a member.
Support your local library!
