Most towns in the world have a library, but what many people don’t realize is that many of these towns also have a friends of the library society.
These organizations are made up of volunteers who work to advocate and fundraise on behalf of their local libraries. Members understand the importance of literacy and the value of libraries as cultural gathering centres in their communities. Their work supports that vital link between a library and its community.
Powell River Friends of the Library had its start in the mid-1980s. “Over the years, we have had many amazing members who have lovingly given their time to support our library and help improve literacy rates in Powell River,” said Trevor Mervyn, chair of the society. “In a town so full of volunteers who strive to make our community stronger, it should come as no surprise that a lot of friends have been volunteering for well over 20 years.”
The group currently runs and maintains the library book cart sale and organizes annual book sales. But over the years, there have been many other endeavours.
A Book Bin Store opened in 1989 in the former Powell River Plaza and later relocated to the corner of Joyce Avenue and Alberni Street. It eventually ended up back on Marine Avenue before closing in 1994.
Some of the friends who ran the Book Bin or carried on other, long-term activities included Alison Barbour, Molly Alexander, Lorraine McKeen, Bob Butkus, Erica Bresee, Cynthia Grant, Kay Bremner, Val Welde, Helene Orpen, Bob Williams and John Dalziel, to name just a few. The Book Bin also had many student volunteers.
In 1997, Shirley Irwin planned and hosted a three-day Book Lovers’ Sale, using an empty storefront and setting it up just like a bookstore. There was even a wine and cheese evening. Over $3,700 was raised for new bookcases and improvements in the children’s room at the library. Those bookcases, built to look like little houses, are still being used today.
In 2001, Janice Olfert organized a Dessert Theatre, which raised $2,000. Friends provided home-baked desserts and three local groups entertained with live theatre.
Long-term president Charlotte Schulz hosted Food for Thought, a dinner catered by Brooks Secondary School, while local celebrities talked about their favourite books, netting another $2,000.
Mervyn said that over the years, the group has stockpiled books in friends’ basements and even had members selling books out of their garages to help fundraise. “We’ve regularly had a table at Blackberry Festival and this year we were honoured to win $250 through First Credit Union’s Pick Your Favourite Local Group contest,” he said.
It was friends’ fundraising in 1997 that made it possible for the library to purchase its first CD ROM computer workstation. This increased public access to the provincial BC library online catalogue and tripled interlibrary loans.
In the past three years, the group has contributed $25,000 to library needs. Purchases have included a new DVD collection, Daisy Readers for people with visual impairment, computers, tables, chairs and ongoing maintenance of the cheery planter boxes that greet visitors at the library entrance. One of the latest friends’ successes has been a contribution toward the annual licence for the Rosetta Stone language program, meaning library users can learn and practice new languages using interactive software on their home computer.
As of the summer, there is a new executive in place. “We are excited to be gearing up for a fundraising drive to support building a new library for Powell River,” said Mervyn. “Keep your eyes peeled for our brand new logo and stay tuned for details on our upcoming annual general meeting and the latest fundraising events set to start in the new year.”
More information about the group can be found by following the link on the library’s website. Interested readers wishing to become a member or to help the group in any way can send an email to [email protected].
