Letter To The Editor: What are Friends Of The Library?

To the Editor: 

The Friends of the Library?  What’s That?

As a book sale volunteer, patrons often ask me questions about the FOL.

As a group, the FOL is a modest group that really should be more proud to be in the public eye at library events, as it does so much behind the scenes to promote and benefit the library. You may know Lisa from the book sale or Helen, as the library director, but can you name any others? Or can you clearly say what they do and or why it is important to have a FOL membership?

Many people ask, “ Does being a Friend mean having a library card?” 

The short answer is No.

The annual membership fee of the FOL, like money made at the book sale, helps fund library programs and events beyond your tax dollars. Author visits, a coffee machine, IPODS, reading rewards, museum passes and Saturday’s $750 kiddie carnival kicking off summer reading was all funded by the FOL.

It’s no secret, or at least it shouldn’t be. The Friends of the Library meet at 7 pm the first Wednesday of every month. Although not well advertised, ALL members of the FOL are welcome to come to the annual June OPEN meeting.  In maintaining transparency, the FOL could do a better job publicizing the need for members, their thanks for existing members, meeting times, the elected board, and how the money flows.

They are there for YOU!  If you have questions for the Friends, the officers or how to show your support, contact  plblmn@sbcglobal.net. To join the Friends, thus supporting another great library year, visit www.berlinpeck.lib.ct.org click Join the Friends, highlight “membership form” to print a membership application you can mail in or bring in with your next library visit. 

Suzanne Helm

Berlin