National Friends of Libraries Week

The Arlington Public Library will be spending the entire week of October 16-22, 2011, celebrating its Friends of the Library group as part of the fifth annual celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week. The Friends of the Arlington Public Library were established in 1987 and have contributed $708,074 to the library to date. Currently over 200 community members contribute annually to the Friends and many of these contributors actively volunteer their time to assist the group with fundraising efforts that include the semi-annual book sales and Book & Author Luncheons.

“The library has always played such an important role in my life and in my family’s life,” said Friends president Shirley McVay. “I truly enjoy being able to give something back – and being an active member of this group is fun!” Other officers of the organization are Mary Johnson, Sue Crowley, Dorothy Rencurrel, Nancy Hester, and Barbara Noble.

Celebration activities include special children’s programs throughout the week based on the theme of friendship and “love letters” to Friends by the library staff will be posted throughout the libraries for all to view.

Cary Siegfried, Director of Libraries, said, “The funds the Friends raise definitely put the icing on the cake. I think most patrons would be surprised to learn how many of the services and programs they enjoy are supported by the Friends.”

Please contact the Friends at 817-548-9768 or www.fapl.org to find out how to become a member.

National Friends of Libraries Week

Mayor Cluck will read this Proclamation on Oct. 18 at the City Council meeting.

Whereas, Friends of the Arlington Public Library raise money that enables our library to move from good to great -- providing the resources for additional programming, much needed equipment, support for summer reading, and special events throughout the year;

Whereas, the work of the Friends highlights on an on-going basis the fact that our library is the cornerstone of the community providing opportunities for all to engage in the joy of life-long learning and connect with the thoughts and ideas of others from ages past to the present;

Whereas, the Friends understand the critical importance of well funded libraries and advocate to ensure that our library gets the resources it needs to provide a wide variety of services to all ages;

Whereas, the Friends’ gift of their time and commitment to the library sets an example for all in how volunteerism leads to positive civic engagement and the betterment of our community;

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Mayor Robert Cluck, proclaim October 16-22, 2011, as Friends of Libraries week in Arlington, Texas and urges everyone to join the Friends of the Library and thank them for all they do to make our library and community so much better.