Support Provided by Friends of the Library Benefits Library and Community
We usually check in on the Friends of the Library during their signature fundraisers, the fall and spring book sales. The project is awesome, the last two netting a combined $285,330.
But a recent year-end recap of the Friends accomplishments tells the true economic impact of this volunteer army of library champions.
The Library’s primary source of funding is Greene County’s property tax, but it doesn’t cover every need. The Friends grants – $441,644 in the last two fiscal years, alone – provide many of those extras.
“The Library District would not be what it is without the support of the Friends of the Library,” says Library Director Regina Greer Cooper.
The Friends gave the Library $223,311 in grants in the last fiscal year. Some $32,000 of that funded the kids’ Summer Reading Program, including the music and comedy performers. The grant also provides a book for each child who completes the summer reading challenge. For some children, it’s the first time they’ve owned their own book.
Friends grants also helped sponsor authors during the Big Read in April; library concerts; and funded their signature project Wee Read, which provides books for preschool children in the Parents As Teachers program. Grants also sponsored author Varian Johnson’s presentation; part of the traveling World War I exhibit Missouri Over There, returning in November; and secured a 2020 date to host the Maurice Sendak traveling exhibit.
Great program ideas and unexpected needs always pop up, so the Friends give an annual $25,000 grant to fund those.
They’re behind big-ticket items, too: the Mobile Library bookmobile in 2011; $500,000 toward the Brentwood Branch Renovation. Most recently, the Friends donated a $125,000 down payment for a 24-hour book and DVD kiosk coming in early fall to serve west-side residents.
The Friends support their operations mainly through Friends memberships -- $5 individual, $8 family, and larger “donor” levels.
Looking for volunteer work that makes a difference in your community? Consider joining the Friends of the Library at any library branch or visit thelibrary.org/donate/friends.cfm to learn more.
Find this article at