Celebrating the Friends of the Library

The Freeport Memorial Library is gearing up to celebrate its dedicated Friends of the Library group during the 18th annual National Friends of Libraries Week, set to take place from Oct 15 to 21. This event, observed every year during the third full week of October, recognizes and honors Friends’ groups from across the nation.

The Friends of the Freeport Memorial Library consists of a passionate group of volunteers who generously contribute their time, skills, and energy to further the library’s mission of supporting and enhancing its services, as well as meeting the cultural and informational needs of the community. Despite being relatively new officers, they have already made notable contributions by sponsoring two community concerts and hosting the reception for the “Our Freeport” mural installation.

In addition to event sponsorship, the Friends have undertaken initiatives such as redesigning their logo, organizing a coloring contest in celebration of National Best Friends Day, and providing prizes to winners of the adult and children’s summer reading programs. Their monthly meetings, which are open to all, also serve as a platform to explore potential sponsorships and discuss library support.

“Libraries play a critical role in the growth, development, and education of the entire village,” Jason Holin, President of the Library Board of Trustees said. “We are grateful to our Friends of the Library for their time, dedication, and enthusiasm. This special group helps us to build a stronger library and a stronger community.”

The Friends of Freeport Memorial Library can trace their roots back to the 1950s, with an official reestablishment occurring on October 2, 1975. At their reestablishment meeting, they set their sights on their inaugural goal—to raise funds for the purchase of a baby grand piano. Remarkably, they achieved this goal within two years. To this day, the piano continues to grace library concerts, offered free of charge to the Freeport community and beyond.

To fund their various initiatives, the Friends of the Library partner with Better World Books, an online platform for new and used book sales that matches each purchase with a book donation. Two drop boxes in the library parking lot facilitate book donations. Through this partnership, Better World Books has raised over $34 million for libraries and literacy efforts.

The Friends of Freeport Memorial Library are kicking off National Friends of Libraries Week with a captivating Dueling Pianos concert by John Arden Music on Sunday, Oct 15, at 2:30 p.m. The event will feature John Arden and Kenny Hendricks playing side by side on two pianos, performing sing-along favorites by Billy Joel, the Beatles, and incorporating comedy into their act. Following the concert, attendees can enjoy refreshments, gather information, and receive free giveaways.

The annual meeting for the Friends of Freeport Memorial Library will be held on Nov 9 at 6:30 p.m. The event will include refreshments, and all interested individuals are encouraged to attend. To RSVP, please contact FreeportLibraryFriends@yahoo.com.

National Friends of Libraries Week is coordinated by United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association, representing approximately 4,000 individuals and group members dedicated to supporting libraries. United for Libraries plays a pivotal role in assisting those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries. By bringing together library trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations, they create a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information, visit ala.org/united.