Brief History
In 1998 a group of interested readers, led by Helen Dean, who now resides in Ohio, proposed the idea of an organization called Friends of the Library (FOL). An ad hoc steering committee was created to organize, guide, and support the FOL; officers were elected, and By-Laws were written and adopted on July 27, 1998, (rev. Jan. 24, 2010).
Purpose of the Organization
The purpose of this organization is to establish closer relations between the Newberry County Library System and the people it serves, to promote informed interest in its functions, resources, services, and needs, to confer with the Newberry County Board of Trustees and staff of the libraries on matters relating to the welfare of the institutions, to stimulate gifts, endowments, and bequests to the libraries, to support the development of a program for the extension and improvement of the resources and services of the libraries, and to support the freedom to read as expressed in the American Library Association Bill of Rights.
Membership
All persons interested in the purpose of this organization are eligible for membership upon payment of annual dues collected in January of each year in the following categories:
| Individual..................... | $5.00 |
| Students (K-College)... | $3.00 |
| Family.......................... | $10.00 |
| Benefactors................. | $50.00 to $99.00 per individual |
| Life Members.............. | $100.00 and up per individual |
Current Officers of the FOL:
Connie Phostole, President Kendie Hawkins, Vice-President
Ann Elias, Secretary Joan Malnati, Treasurer
Supporting the Library
When the group was formed in 1998 a goal was set to raise $30,000 for the Library. That goal was reached in 2009, and the FOL continues to seek ways in which to supplement the work of the Library.
In the past, the FOL has held annual book sales. Currently the group has an on-going sale located in the Friends of the Library room, which is located to the left of the main entrance inside the circulation area. All books are priced at $1.00, payable at the Circulation Desk. Audio books and tapes are also available. The donation of gently used books is greatly appreciated.
Friends Meetings
The Friends of the Library meet January-May and September-December at 3:00 p.m. on the third Monday of the month in the Board Room of the Newberry County Library. All members are invited to attend.
For any additional information concering the Friends organization please contact the Newberry County Library System by calling us at 803-276-0854.
