The Friends of the Jefferson Public Library honored four individuals as the library’s “Friends of the Year” for 2015: Vern Foje, Cassie Dozier, Joyce Allender and Conner Allender each received a certificate and thank you gift at a reception held in their honor on Monday, Oct. 12.
Each year since 1997, the Friends of the Library has honored an outstanding library volunteer. “The library relies on volunteers and we want them to know how appreciative we are,” said Friends president Deb Kucerak.
This year, the Friends awarded the honor to a team of four people who give of their time and talents to keep the landscaping and flower planters around the library well-maintained throughout the year. “Vern, Cassie, Joyce and Conner make a great team. Together, they do a wonderful job of keeping the library grounds cared for and adding touches of beauty for all to enjoy,” said library director Jane Millard.
“With the library located on our town’s main street, and being a busy, public place, it is important to keep the outdoor areas trimmed, planted, and maintained. We appreciate so much that Vern, Cassie, Joyce and Conner have been very dedicated volunteers,” added Kucerak.
The reception 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 group has provided funding for the replacement of the wheelchair lift, the installation of a Little Free Library in the front yard, and the Books for Babies program at 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. 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. The next book sale will be in December, followed by a spring book sale in April.
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 more than $7,000 annually to benefit the Library. Since the Friends group began in 1993, it has raised more than $121,000 to benefit of the library.
At the Friends’ annual meeting in August, the following officers were elected for the coming year: president Deb Kucerak; vice president Jean Finch, secretary Nancy Gerken, treasurer Jane Healy, and historian Ada Ross. Those elected as members of the board of directors for the coming year were JoAnn Rasmussen, Bonnie Silbaugh, Amy McGinn, Kathy Steussy and JoAnn Comstock. 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. 19, at 6:30 pm at the library. For more information about the Friends organization, call the library at 515-386-2835.
