The Friends of the Jefferson Public Library honored Karen North, Denise Harberts, and Don Goodrich as the library’s “Friends of the Year” for 2017. Each of them received a certificate and thank you gift at a reception held in their honor on Thursday, Oct. 12.
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 Jean Finch.
This year’s recipients were honored for delivering library books to the Greene County elementary school classrooms, Ever Greene Ridge and The Gardens retirement communities, Regency Park Nursing and Rehab Center, and Greene County Medical Center long term care. “These special volunteers ensure that readers of all ages and all around our community get to enjoy books year-round,” added library director Jane Millard.
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 have provided funding for an online resource for children called Tumblebooks, remodeling the library entryway, canvas book delivery bags, 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. 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 raises an average of more than $5,000 annually to benefit the library. Since the Friends group began in 1993, it has raised more than $125,000 to benefit the library.
At the Friends’ annual meeting in August, the following officers were elected for the coming year: president Jean Finch, vice president JoAnn Rasmussen, secretary Bonnie Silbaugh, treasurerJane Healy, membership chair Colleen Guillman, and historian Ada Ross. Those elected as members of the board of directors for the coming year were Amy McGinn, Kathy Steussy, Ginny Destival and Ginny Showman.
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. 16, at 6:30 pm at the library. Persons who want more information about the Friends organization can call the library at 515-386-2835.
