October 21-27, 2012, is the sixth annual celebration of National Friends of Libraries week making it a good time to publicly thank the Friends of the James Kennedy Public Library who contribute so much of their time and knowledge to significantly enhance our services.

What is the Friends of the James Kennedy Public Library?  The Friends is an organization of interested citizens who desire to promote the services of the James Kennedy Public Library and who work together to strengthen its various programs. The Friends group sponsors and helps with library programs, interprets needs of the library to the community, and provides volunteer service as needed.   The Friends group is also particularly involved in fundraising for the library with the biannual book sale, Taste of the Midwest, ongoing sale of book bags, and the annual membership drive every January.  The Friends group qualifies for 501(C)3 non-profit status allowing them to apply for grants which, when awarded, are then used to fund programming or equipment or other non-operating costs at the library.  Our Friends group started in 1988 and over the course of the past twenty-four years they have donated over $56,000 to support the costs of programming, adult education classes, summer reading activities, and collection development.  It was our Friends group that funded the purchase of a Wii console and games for the library collection and the Friends also contributed a sizable donation to the building fund when the current library building was being built 10 years ago.

I know that the James Kennedy Public Library is a source of pride for our community. Our Friends group is a source of pride as well.  Without the help of our Friends group, the JKPL would be unable to provide the same quality of programming or level of collection development and resources for the community.  The Friends group is a wonderful example of how a group of committed community members can truly make a difference!

To all of the members of our Friends group, especially the executive committee, the JKPL sends you a big thank you for all you do to support our library and help make it better.  We couldn’t do it without you!  If you are not already a member of our Friends group, I hope you will call the library this week to find out how you can join and support this outstanding group.  And if you see a member of the Friends group, thank them again for all they do for us!