WAYNESBORO – Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library in Waynesboro will observe national Friends of the Library week, Monday, Oct. 13 to Friday, Oct. 18.
“We honor our Friends of the Library chapter and its dedicated board each and every day, but especially during the national Friends week,” noted Library Director Julie Diaz. “Please stop by and add your comments and encouragement to the Friends banner this week. Please also support the Friends by attending the annual luncheon, open to the public, Oct. 18. Tickets are available at the circulation desk.”
Diaz said the Friends “are a dedicated group of book-loving volunteers who support and promote the library. They donate their time in support of the library’s mission to provide free library services to the Waynesboro community. Through fundraising, volunteer work and advocacy, the Friends help provide the library with additional resources and programs that enhance its services for everyone in the community.”
The Friends has served the library and the greater Waynesboro community for 45 years, raising thousands of dollars every year to support programming, equipment and furniture purchases, and more, according to Diaz. “With 100 percent of membership fees going straight back to the library, as well as proceeds from the Friends Bookstore and bi-annual sales, the Friends provide critical financial support to AHMFL,” she added.
In recent years, the Friends were responsible for a number of improvements, including: the second floor kitchen installation, the upgrade to the workspaces in the computer lab, the lab tables and stools in the Makerspace, the new couches for the teen room and the new sensory furniture, including the market stand, plus all the Rhythm & Rhyme musical instruments for the children’s programs, Diaz said. “All these amazing enhancements and additions, and so many more, are because the library has a dedicated and involved Friends group.”
The Friends sponsor the sign language class from Deafnet each fall and spring so it may be offered to patrons free of charge, according to Diaz. The new session begins Oct. 13. Programs by Seth Holmes, Conococheage Institute, and Penn State Master Gardeners, plus others, have all been sponsored by the Friends.
“The beloved Books for Babies Friends program has been incorporated into the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, as the Friends of the Library become one of the newest community partners in The Basics Waynesboro,” Diaz explained. “The Basics Waynesboro is a network of community partners that promote support and services for families with young children in the Waynesboro area.”
Diaz also encouraged area residents to become a member of Friends. “Show your support for this amazing group and join the team.”
