| Sarah Heinonen
sarah@thereminder.com
Category:
EAST LONGMEADOW – Public libraries are beloved institutions in most communities, offering not just access to books, but speakers, events, movies, and art. What many library patrons may not realize, however, is that the programs and services provided by the library are not paid for by the town, but by organizations that work to support the mission of libraries to improve the lives of those in the community.
This year marks the 15th annual National Friends of Libraries Week, running from Oct. 18 to Oct. 24. Friends of Libraries are community organizations created for the purpose of raising money to supplement the municipal budgets allotted to public libraries.
“They help provide support to the library to benefit the community as a whole,” said Diane Tiago, president of the East Longmeadow Friends of the Library (FOTL). The East Longmeadow FOTL, for example, has raised funds to replace carpeting, enable curbside pick-up programs during the pandemic, offer museum passes and host summer reading raffle programs to encourage young readers, among other projects.
“It wasn’t until I got involved with [the FOTL] that I realized all these things come from the Friends of the Library,” Tiago said of the programs paid for by the organization. In fiscal year 2018, the East Longmeadow FOTL raised $19,500, of which $18,600 was spent on library programs and improvements. She said nearly all the money raised goes directly into the library.
Tiago said a lot of work goes into fundraising, which takes the form of everything from sundae socials and fashion shows to golf tournaments and basket raffles. They are always looking or more members to help with that fundraising.
“Every year during National Friends of Libraries Week, the East Longmeadow Friends do a membership drive. This year happens to be our 25th anniversary,” Tiago said of the East Longmeadow organization. “COVID has kind of detoured our plans, but I do think the anniversary should be recognized.” The organization plans to host a celebration next year to recognize the milestone for the nearly 300 FOTL members.
For more information on becoming a member of the East Longmeadow Friends of the Library, contact the library at 525-5400, ext. 1511, or visit the organization’s website at foelpl.wixsite.com/friendsellibrary.