The Friends of the Jefferson Public Library honored Lori DeBok (pictured, left) as the library’s “Friend of the Year” for 2014. DeBok received a certificate and thank you gift at a reception held in her honor on Thursday, Sept. 25. A book will be placed in the library in her honor.
Each year since 1997, the Friends of the Library have honored an outstanding library volunteer. “The library relies on volunteers and we want them to know how appreciative we are,” said Friends president Barbara Labate (pictured, right).
“Lori was selected as this year’s honoree because of the valuable contribution she has made in ensuring our local public library has all the essential resources to meet the needs of our community,” said library director Jane Millard.
More than 20 years ago, a need was identified in our community – the need for additional financial support and advocacy for the local public library. DeBok stepped forward and organized the first meeting of the Friends of the Jefferson Public Library. At that meeting in September 1993, DeBok was elected the first president of the newly-formed group and served in that capacity for three years. She returned in 2004 for a second three-year presidency.
“Lori understands the importance of a library to its community, and her passion and commitment were clearly demonstrated when she established the Friends group. The success of the Friends group and its invaluable aid to the library is evidence that this honor is well-deserved,” commented Labate.
The reception for DeBok was a kick-off for the annual membership drive held each year for the Friends of the Library. Friends is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting library services. This past year, the Friends have provided funding for the digital newspaper archive project, a digital camera, and the Books for Babies program at the Greene County Medical Center.
The Friends also sponsored the annual summer reading programs for children and teens, the winter reading program for adults, the library float in the Bell Tower Festival parade, and the annual children’s Halloween event. Last fall, the Friends assisted with a “Meet the Authors” event at the library in collaboration with the Jefferson-Scranton all school reunion. In August, the Friends hosted an annual back-to-school breakfast for teachers and other school personnel.
The Friends’ annual used book sale was held in September.
Five levels of Friends memberships are available. Membership forms for anyone interested in joining the Friends of the Library can be picked up at the library. The Friends of the Library raise an average of $6,500 annually to benefit the Library. Since the Friends group began in 1993, it has raised more than $100,000 to benefit of the library.
At the Friends’ annual meeting in August, the following officers were elected for the coming year: president, Barbara Labate; secretary, Nancy Gerken; treasurer, Jane Healy; historian, Ada Ross. Those elected as members of the board of directors for the coming year were Lorelle Hinote, Jean Finch, Deb McGinn and JoAnn Rasmussen. The annual used book sale was discussed as well as considerations for future projects and purchases for the library.
The Friends’ next meeting is Thursday, Nov. 6 at 6:30 pm at the library. For more information about the Friends organization, call the library at 515-386-2835.
Former Friend of the Year honorees joined in honoring DeBok last week. Pictured are (from left) Shirley Ross (for her late husband Eldon), Kathy Benson, Maxine Hawk (she and her late husband Eldon were honored together), Lori DeBok, Sheryl Sloan, Bev Batcheller and Ada Ross.
