Betty Kolda, left, Yvette Knight, Deb Chandler, Beverly Cadigan, Phoebe Hardesty and Kathleen Potter are among the members of the Friends of the New Gloucester Public Library. The group’s primary mission is to host a book and bake sale twice a year providing a steady revenue stream to augment the library’s annual budget.
Friends of the Library
Professional organizers can’t hold a candle to the Friends of the New Gloucester Public Library.
Member Beverly Cadigan, chronicling the process of sorting the books that are contributed to the library, says the librarians first categorize the donated books, retaining some of them to add to the inventory. The remainder are put in crates and brought down into the labyrinth of rooms found in the library’s basement.
Starting their week on Tuesday mornings, the Friends sort the remaining books into a multitude of categories, such as World Culture, U.S. History and Science Fiction. Friends President Deb Chandler performs the initial sorting; distributing books to each member responsible for a particular section. The books are shelved accordingly.
The group’s foremost mission is to host a book and bake sale twice a year providing a steady revenue stream to augment the library’s annual budget. Thousands of dollars are raised and the funds are used primarily for the purchase of books, movies and digital media; guest speakers, kindergarten kick-off and park passes for library patrons.
Last fall, the Friends received a Spirit of America Foundation award. Unfortunately, their invitation to that awards ceremony was not received due to an incorrect mailing address. They were then invited to a recognition ceremony for all the 2018 award winners in the Hall of Flags at the State Capitol Building on Thursday, April 11. Some members planned to be in attendance.
Public acknowledgment of the vital work performed by the Friends of the New Gloucester Public Library is well-deserved. Members wish to remind the community that donations of books, games, and DVDs are being sought year-round.
For Patti Mikkelsen’s complete column in the Lakes Region Weekly, go to http://news.keepmecurrent.com/inside-new-gloucester-166/
