VALDOSTA — What they have done to help the South Georgia Regional Library system is almost impossible to list.
• Purchased $20,000 in books and media for all of the library system’s branches last year.
• Provided scholarships for three library employees to continue their master’s of library science studies at Valdosta State University.
• Supported the Summer Reading Club.
• Gave $500 to the library’s Bookfellows reading club.
• Supported the Fall Festival, Snow Day, and Dr. Seuss’ Birthday.
• Procured a $10,000 grant to purchase and renovate the library’s public computers and the branches’ computers.
• Operated the library’s Back Door Bookstore.
Given that this is only a partial list, one might think these are quite a number of undertakings. As for this organization, its members would simply respond, that’s what friends are for.
The Friends of the Library doesn’t plan to back away from any projects supporting the library, but could use a little help from a few more Friends.
One FOL goal for 2010 is increasing the organization’s membership to 200 members by year’s end. Former library director Liza Newsom is spearheading the membership drive. As of last week, FOL membership was at 106, with nine lifetime members.
For this year, FOL has also set a goal of raising and spending $25,000 on books and media for the South Georgia Regional Library system.
This year’s newly elected officers are Merrilee Casady, president; Jan Feese, vice president; Stefani Carroll, secretary; John Thomas, treasurer. This year’s board members are Helen Bennett, Charmaine Caldwell, Hal Carter, Beulah Hennly, Tina Marzano, Alex B. McFadden, Catherine Nordin, Edward G. Rawls, Cindy Robinson, Nancy Sartin, Kay Scott, Sarah B. Smart, Rose M. Stone, John W. Thomas, Lyndall Webb.
FOL raises a majority of its money from the Valdosta-Lowndes County Library’s Back Door Bookstore twice weekly, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays, and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays.
“The books sold at the bookstore are from donations from the public of gently read books and books that have been withdrawn from the library shelves,” Casady said. “The bookstore not only raises a great deal of money for the FOL, but also serves as a distribution center for recycled books since we donate books to the prison, the literacy program, and other agencies and schools.”
The Back Door Bookstore welcomes donations of books in good shape, in both paperback and hard cover. The bookstore has a “desperate need” for children’s books.
The bookstore is a group activity, but some FOL members have individual projects. One FOL member, for example, donates her time and money to ensure that the library staff enjoys a morale booster every other month with chocolates and other items.
To achieve new goals and maintain past programs, the FOL hopes its friend requests for more members will meet the 200 goal.
More information: Contact Friends of the Library President Merrilee Casady by e-mailing merfol@bellsouth.net.
