Where would the library be without our friends?

(STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA / October 18, 2022) – Did you know that this week is National Friends of Libraries Week? I know there are so many designated days, weeks and months that it can be hard to keep track of them all. And some of them can seem a little silly, like National Meatloaf Appreciation Day (Oct. 18 – the food, not the musician) or National Organize Your Files Week (the third week of April). But these special days, weeks and months can be incredibly important because they remind us to take a step back and reflect on the value of specific groups, people, or, yes, even food, in our lives. The Stillwater Public Library could not be what it is to our community without the Friends of the Library. 

Our Friends of the Library group supports and promotes our library and raises funds through the collection of dues and biannual book sales that are then used to purchase books and equipment, pay for speakers, programs and so much more. All of our free programming is made possible by the Friends’ efforts. The all-ages summer reading program is funded by the Friends. Community reading events, author fairs, LexiCon, notary services, shelving, microfilm readers, the annual Legislative Reception, the Angie Debo sculpture--all made possible because of the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library.

Some Friends’ members pay their $10 annual dues or have become lifetime members for $100. Others are a part of the Friends of the Library Board of Directors. They organize and run the used book sales, take in and sort tons of donations that come in all year long, collect dues and keep track of members. No matter what level of Friend you are, we appreciate you. You make it possible for me to do my job better. You help make our library what it is. 

I don’t know that many people in our community realize just how much the Friends of the Library support many of the services and programs they rely on and enjoy. You can also send them a message on Facebook at tinyurl.com/stwlibfriends to let them know how their support of the library impacts your life. Learn more about the Friends of the Library and how to become a dues paying member (bonus: members get to attend the preview day of the book sale) and peruse an even longer list of some of the projects they’ve funded by visiting library.stillwater.org/friends_of_the_library.php. 

I’d also like to give a special shout-out to the current Friends of the Stillwater Public Library Board of Directors: President Austin Ray, President-Elect/Book Sale Chair Diane Caneday, Secretary Connie Sauter, Treasurer Mike Veldman and Membership Coordinator Holly Hartman. As well as Board Members Megan Macken, Shandi Horstman, Karen Neurohr, Ann Dugger, Peter Thomas, Heather Hawkins, Lynne Murnane, Linda Sanders, Kaitlin Schmidt, Marlene Preston, Donna Morris, Barb Carlozzi, Patt Peel, Lynn Harvey, Priscilla Gerfen and Joshua Hawkins. You’re all rock stars. Literary, book-peddling rock stars. No offense to National Meatloaf Day, but your recognition week is better and definitely more deserved.

National Friends of Libraries Week has been in existence for 17 years. It 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.