October 18th through the 24th is recognized as National Friends of the Library Week.

Past-President of the Jefferson Friends of the Library Barb Labate says it’s a time to raise awareness of how the Friends support and promote the library through programs, advocacy and financially.  The Friends help volunteer in several programs such as the summer kids reading program, maintaining the library’s landscape, help process books, bake cookies for events, serve as guest readers for school children, deliver books to the homebound, Toddler Fest in April and assist with the library float for the Bell Tower Festival.

Another area that the Friends help is with funding.  Labate says since 1993, the Friends have contributed over $120,000 for improvements to the exterior and interior of the library.  Improvements include the wheelchair lift, completing the young adult and teen areas of the library, installing a book return, converting microfilm into an electronic format, new computers and chairs as well as office equipment and remodeling the main entrance.

Aside from their used book sale fundraisers held throughout the year, Labate notes that most of the projects wouldn’t be possible without memberships.  She points out that membership dues of $5 for an individual to $10 for a family that goes toward improvement projects.  Starting this week and for the rest of October, Labate encourages new people to sign up to be a Friend.  Anyone who signs up will get their name entered into a drawing and Labate describes what the prize will be.

“We’re going to let them help choose a book that they would like to personally have and that same book will be donated in the library in their honor.”

The winner will be announced November 1st.

Labate will tell us more about the Friends and how they help the library grow on today’s Let’s Talk Greene County program.  It airs during the 9am, noon and 5pm hours.