By Staff
Now is the perfect time to join the Friends of Niles District Library. The Friends organization is nearing completion of its first year, and it has been an exciting and succesful one. We have over 100 members, a quarter of which are "Lifetime" members.
In April 2005, the Friends had their first fundraising event. They earned more than $1,000 on the book sale and nearly $1,400 from the silent auction. Other fundraising events have included selling books at the "Garrage Barrage" and a special children's book sale in June. With these events and membership dues, the Friends have raised nearly $5,000 in their first year.
Friends volunteered more than 200 hours at the library, taking on projects such as the book sales, Christmas decorations and a "Romance Book Give-away" on Valentines day. We are currently seeking volunteers to help with our October 1 book sale.
One of the perks of joining is that Friends get the first opportunity to purchase books. Thursday, Sept. 29, 2005 from 4 to 7 p.m. will be the next "Friends Only" book sale event.
The Friends paid for publication of the teaching guide for Once Upon a River: A Children's History of Niles. This book and the teachering guide are now available for purchase at the library. Proceeds from sales go to the Friends and are placed in a special fund which will be used for related projects.
The Friends Board of Directors meets on the second Monday at 4 p.m. in the library's community room. All Friends are invited and this is the best way to get involved at the library.
Much of the success of the Friends has been due to the hard work done by the Board of Directors.
Our Board is made up of the following:
Co-Presidents: Rucilla Coulston and Darlene Jackson
Vice Presicent: Marilyn Doolittle
Secretary: Betsy Jackson
Treasurer: Ila Bigford
Membership Chairperson: Debbie Shelton
Fundraising Chairperson: Una Shankland
Members at Large: Hena Bosque, Dick Noid and Judith Richter
Library Director: Nancy Studebaker
A "Young Friend", for those age 18 and under, costs just $3. The standard memberships is $5; "Family Friends" membership is $10 and "Dear Friends" pay $25.
All these memberships are good for one year. A "Friend for Life" membership is also available. It is $100 and can be paid over two years.
You can join the Friends at the library, by mail or online at www.nileslibrary.com.