More on Library Friends Activities

Sometimes patrons of the Pleasant Valley Free Library wonder what becomes of the money made from sales of donated books and other events run by the Friends of the Pleasant Valley Library. The uses vary a lot, but all net income goes to support the Library in ways that exceed the regular budget, which is based on government funding (primarily at the Town level), income from fines, and direct donations. Some of the past Friends' support has gone to the computer in the Children's room, special sets of books such as travel guides, help with unexpected building repairs or improvements, ways to display books, and--when the Library had trouble meeting expenses--support for the regular budget.

The expenditures of the Friends are worked out in conjunction with the Library Director, who helps identify needs that cannot be funded from the regular operating budget.  Recently the Friends have supported purchase of a Nook eReader, which is available to demonstrate to patrons how to use such a device and how to borrow Library books using it, and a collection of activities for the Wii game player that can be used for healthful exercise.  This spring and summer the Friends have already agreed to sponsor a summer reading program for adults, a set of gift cards to be used in a Teen reading program, and the Battle of the Books, a competition of teams from various libraries based on reading specific titles.  There also will be a surprise that I am not allowed to reveal at this time.

At the meeting on Monday night (April 4) the Friends also agreed to purchase two bookcases, one just for media.  Also the Friends will pay for the manufacture of a new batch of sturdy canvas tote bags, which will feature the Pleasant Valley Library logo.  These will be sold for $6 each, raising additional money for library use.

The primary source of funding is sweat equity by volunteers and the annual book fair.  All year volunteers work in the basement of the Library, sorting and boxing donated books and media.  Several times each year some of these boxes are brought out for sales at holiday time, in late winter, and in September, but these small sales together bring in about half the income of the book fair, April 29-May 1 this year.  The book fair is a great opportunity to build up your own library at little expense, as well as to purchase perennial plants for the garden that alway thrive because they are adapted to the local climate.

There are a few other Friends activities each year.  On May 21, the annual sale of tomato plants started by the Friends will begin, just at the right time to set them out in your garden (or just by the doorstep if you have no garden).  These plants are started and donated by members of the Friends, not purchased for resale, so every cent spent by patrons goes back to the Library.  Last year the Mah Jong tournament was such a success, it is certain to be repeated this year.  And the Friends always are interested in new ideas for local fundraising.

If you are interested in joining the Friends, you can catch some of us at the Book Fair and we will be happy to accept the remaining Friends income--dues of $5 a year for the members.  But we value participation more than the dues.