By Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer
It’s always good to have a friend or two, even for libraries. The Eaton Rapids Area District Library (ERADL) has a group of “friends” and would like to get even more people to join that group.
The Friends of the Library is dedicated to promoting the ERADL, increasing public awareness of the library and encouraging community involvement in the library.
“Our library would be poorer without our Friends group,” Library Director Anna Curtis explained. “And I truly believe most patrons would be surprised to learn just how many of the services and programs they enjoy that were only made possible because of the Friends group.”
According to Curtis, the Friends of the Library was established in 2006 by Judy Hansen. To date, they have raised over $18,000 for the library. These funds have provided the increased Wi-Fi access, the back drop box, large programs, interactive toys, public computers, the awning, puzzles, memorial books and much more.
“The Friends help provide the ‘goodies’ — items that are outside the regular budget or that there is no budget for,” said Friends trustee Cathy Demorest. “To do this, the Friends do a variety of fundraising programs, from Murder Mysteries, book sales, silent auctions and more.”
For example, the Friends are sponsoring a book sale in April.
More help is needed to accomplish this community service, however, and Demorest would like to encourage people to become a Friend of the library.
“Idea people would be helpful, and those who are organizers and leaders, but anyone interested is welcome,” said Demorest.
The Friends meet once a month, or more for special events. Their meetings are the second Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the library. For those who want to help but just don’t have the time, Demorest encourages them to make a donation to help purchase the library items that the Friends fund.
For more information, or to join the Friends, call the library at 517-663-0950 or visit the “Eaton Rapids Friends of the Library” Facebook page.
PHOTO INFO:
Photo by Deb Malewski
Cathy Demorest is one of the Friends of the Eaton Rapids Area District Library.
