We are celebrating National Friends of Libraries Week (Oct. 20-26) by showing our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of library volunteers and supporters across NCW.
Friends of the Library groups are nonprofit, charitable organizations that operate independently from the library district and work to support library operations in their communities. In all, 23 of NCW Libraries’ 30 branches are supported by active Friends of the Library groups.
The Friends groups support libraries in a variety of ways, from volunteering their time to building new libraries – and everything in between. Here are some recent ways that our Friends groups are working to improve our library spaces and experiences:
- The Friends of the Winthrop Library recently held a work party to winterize the beautiful outdoor spaces at the library. The group supports the library in many ways. This year, they have helped the library hire local professional musicians to share their insights and expertise and give performances.
The Wenatchee Friends of the Library manages all the book donations that the library receives and hold two large book sales each year that funds many programs. The group also provides prizes for the Summer Library Program and, this year, bought all the prizes for the adult SLP winners. They also purchased new toys for the children’s area this year.- The Royal City Friends of the Library are building a new library that is slated to open in 2025!
- The Leavenworth Friends recently completed their annual 10-day book sale that is part of the Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival in downtown Leavenworth.
- The Republic Friends of the Library have been the driving force behind the design and planning for a new library. They have been awarded grants and are moving forward with plans for the new facility.
- The Grand Coulee Friends of the Library recently held a work party to clear out a storage shed to provide more storage for library materials.
The Peshastin Friends of the Library played an instrumental role in the recent remodel of the library, providing input on design plans, helping to pack and unpack supplies, and paying for repairs to the flooring.
Many of NCW’s Friends of the Library groups have annual or semi-annual book sales that are widely anticipated in their communities.
“The Friends of the Library groups that partner with our libraries to support library staff and increase our impact to the communities we serve are a vital part of the work NCW Libraries does”, says Executive Director Barbara Walters. “They range in size from just a few volunteers to over 50 dedicated members in some communities, but in every case, they represent faithful volunteers who love their community, love their library, and are dedicated to providing access to library resources and engaging programs.”
Friends of the Library groups regularly buy prizes for the annual Summer Library Program, provide refreshments and volunteer at library events, buy books to give away to school children, and sponsor community gatherings such as holiday parties.
If you are interested in joining a Friends of the Library group in your community, please contact your library.
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