The Friends of the Jefferson Public Library honored Jeremy Brewer as the library’s “Friend of the Year” for 2023. Jeremy received a certificate and thank you gift at a surprise reception held in his honor Oct. 30 at the library.
Most years since 1997, the Friends of the Library have honored an outstanding library volunteer. This year’s recipient was honored for the years he has been a volunteer in the youth department at the library.
“Volunteers have a significant, yet sometimes underseen, role in our library and have a resounding impact on us and the patrons we serve. As such, we wanted to acknowledge the time, energy, and skill that Jeremy devotes to us every week,” said Bailey Mount, youth services librarian.
“Jeremy is a valuable member of the library team. Thanks to his helpful nature and the many tasks he does as a volunteer, the youth department is clean, exciting, and ready for patrons,” said library director Jane Millard.
“Jeremy, please accept our gratitude and appreciation for all you’ve done for the library. We couldn’t do it without you. You truly are a Special Friend of the Library!”, added Jennifer Powers, president of the Friends of the Library.
The reception was part of 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, supported a grant for the Play Touch Table, replaced the printers and computer in the Kodak photo kiosk, along with other projects.
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. Membership forms for anyone interested in joining the Friends of the Library can be picked up at the library.
There are 10 members of the Friends board of directors that meet every other month at the library. For more information about the Friends organization, call the library at 515-386-2835.
