National Friends of Libraries Week Recognizes Volunteer Support

Photo by Bobby Coggins

 PRESS RELEASE (10-17-2022)

MACON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

 

The Macon County Public Library is honoring its Friends of the Library group during the week of October 16-22, 2022, celebrating the 17th annual celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week.

 

The Friends of the Macon County Public Library were established in 1971 and have raised over $1 million for the library to date. Currently over 200 community members contribute annually to the Friends, and nearly 50 of these contributors actively volunteer their time to assist the group with fundraising efforts that include a membership campaign and a used bookstore located at 115 Highlands Road in Franklin.

 

“Books are and will always remain crucial elements to any civilized society,” said Friends president Jeff Clark. “However, the library of the 21^st century is so much more. I look forward to supporting the library’s future endeavors.”

 

Other officers of the organization are Vice President Max West, Treasurer Beth Hensley, Secretary Bobbie Contino, Programs Chair Henrietta Haithcock, Membership Chair Rachael Bishop, Publicity/Folio Chairman Becky Peeling, Hospitality Chairman Elaine Bradley, Bookstore Committee Representative Grace Johnson; Historian/Website Chairman Sally Payne and Directors Alan Fredrick, Barbara McLellan, Sharon Sellers, Roberta Swank and Mike Decker.   

 

“Our library would be much poorer without the Friends,” said County Librarian Karen Wallace. “The funds they raise definitely put the icing on the cake. I think most patrons would be surprised to learn how many of the services and programs they enjoy are supported by the Friends.”

 

Please contact the library at 828-524-3600 or visit https://fontanalib.org/franklin to learn more about how to become a member of the Friends.

National Friends of Libraries Week is coordinated by United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association with approximately 4,000 personal and group members representing hundreds of thousands of library supporters. United for Libraries supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries, and brings together library trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information, visit www.ala.org/united.