Message to the community from Luren E. Dickinson:

Friends of the Shaker Library approved an all-time record budget for the third time in four years on September 18. This year, the enterprising library volunteer support group has designated $46,100 toward a variety of important programs and purchases. That brings total contributions in the last seven years to more than a quarter million dollars and more than a half million dollars during the past twenty years. <p>

Friends provides major support to the annual Summer Reading Program in the amount of $8,000. This money is used to purchase necessary supplies, as well as the incentive gifts that keep children reading and coming back to the Library! Funds also go to a variety of programs held throughout the year for children, teens, and adults.<p>

In addition, standing donations go toward the costs of regular staff meetings and staff development days, as well as recognition of retiring employees. Flower and Reading Garden funds are aimed at beautifying the Main Library and Bertram Woods Branch.<p>

The 2012-2013 fiscal year will see some important equipment added through the Friends. A new, full-size refrigerator has been installed in the second floor kitchenette at the Main Library where it is accessible for Friends events, groups using meeting rooms, and library staff. We will also be able to promote the library and its material with a new LCD projector and display furniture for current magazines and books.<p>

Friends has designated a small New Technology Fund for special electronic equipment, such as “Skype” cameras and new e-Book devices. The biggest grant, however, is for a new Main Library Information Desk, which will match the Children’s Desk purchased by the Friends last year and be part of a reconfigured reading room that will include the relocation of Movies & Music to a more central area, scheduled for early 2013.<p>

We can never have too many friends! You can add your support by joining Friends of the Shaker Library—for as little as $15 per person or $25 for a family—or buying Friends merchandise (mugs, book bags, etc.). The Friends Fall Book Sale will be held this month with a Friends Members Preview from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 18. The book sale opens to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20. The popular “Bag Sale” will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, October 21 when all bags of books cost $5. <p>

Other Friends sponsored events this October include a program on Gluten-Free Living at 7 p.m. October 10 at Woods Branch and Poetry in the Woods at 7 p.m. October 25 at Woods Branch.

Luren E. Dickinson, Director

dickinson@shakerlibrary.org