The library needs Friends

I hate to brag, but here at the library we have the most wonderful Friends. And yes, I do mean Friends with a capital "F". I am referring to the Friends of the Halton Hills Public Library, a fabulous group of volunteers who assist, support and help the library in all sorts of ways. Their list of accomplishments is really quite staggering. Last year alone, they raised $11,889, which has been used to help upgrade library furnishings, purchase books, purchase puppets and other children's program supplies, and so much more. How do they do all this? Well, twice a year, in both the Acton and Georgetown branches, the Friends arrange, manage and staff our library book sales. Members sort, price and organized hundreds of books, videos, CDs, and audio books. They also staff the sales, raising much-needed funds for the library. Last September, the Friends coordinated an evening with renowned wildlife artist and naturalists, Robert Bateman, which included both a presentation and an evening reception with the artist himself. The Friends have run silent auctions and managed our penny jars. Through their love of the library and concern for its place in the community, they have helped direct donations to many much-needed improvement projects. "That is all very well and good" you might say, "but if I become a member, how can I benefit?" Well, for one thing, you would be

joining a fabulous, dynamic group of likeminded people who care about their community and want to provide it with the best library resources and services possible. You can enhance your team-building and advocacy skills, and learn the ins and outs of fundraising. You can help champion the library's causes and promote positive decisions about the library. But most importantly, you can have fun! For more information on the Friends of the Library or how to become a Friend, please contact the Library Director Jane Diamanti, at 905-873-2681, extension 2501 or stop by either branch and pick up a Friends of the Library brochure. The information is also available on our website at www.library.hhpl.on.ca/Friends.asp. Come show your library what a great Friend you can be. Clare Hanman is a circulation supervisor at the Halton Hills Public Library