All over the country, libraries benefit from partner volunteer organizations better known as Friends of the Library. Friends of the Library organizations fill many roles necessary to aid libraries, including fundraising, promoting existing library programs and activities, raising awareness within the community of full library services, offering new programming opportunities such as classes and seminars or other trainings, growing the Friends organization, and more. Until recently, Bristow’s own public library did not benefit from such an organization.
When Heather Hutto, the library’s director, first came to Bristow, she expressed shock upon learning that the library did not host a Friends partner. Fortunately, a local Friends group began to organize as 2022 came to a close. Friends President Letha Caudle noted that although the group only recently formed, they already have a few events planned with more to come.
One of the first events the Friends planned is a combination book and garage sale on Friday, May 5, and Saturday, May 6. The following weekend, Friends will host a booth at Tabouleh Fest for the purpose of introducing themselves, building membership, and raising awareness about literacy and the library’s literacy program. Anyone unable to read or with limited reading skills may find help at the library. President Caudle stated the Friends desire to improve community literacy and participation in library programming. They also plan to host a second combination book and garage sale in October.
Anyone may join the Friends of the Library. Each month, they hold a meeting at noon on the second Friday of the month in the large conference room at the library. To learn more about the Friends or to join, attend a meeting or stop by the library.