The Parma Public Library will be spending the week of October 15, 2023, celebrating its Friends of the Library group as part of the 17th annual celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week.
The Friends of the Parma Library bookstore, Mainly Books, 24 Main Street, Hilton, opened in 2007 to support the Parma Public Library. Currently over 150 community members contribute annually to Friends by becoming a Friend, and more than 40 of these contributors actively volunteer their time and energy in many capacities to maintain the bookstore. Volunteers greet customers and complete sales, help find that one special book, rotate stock, answer questions, put puzzles together, volunteer at semiannual sales in the library and host many other activities. Volunteer opportunities are often based on what each volunteer enjoys doing. Library activities are supported throughout the year as needed. These activities include the very busy summer kids’ reading program, adult reading programs, Empire passes, art supplies, a wide variety of speakers and events, magazine and newspaper subscriptions, a bag of books for library cards issued to young people, and so much more throughout the year.
Funds are raised by community donations of gently used books, puzzles, DVDs and other media. Donations from the community and as far away as Florida are brought in almost daily. Many visitors leave a few extra pennies to hundreds of dollars in the Donation Book on the desk to continue to support the library.
Interested in donating some time, energy and/or finances to support the community? Applications are available at the front desk at both the bookstore and the library. The membership fee includes advance notice of sales, a $3 discount in the store, and a free book at the semiannual sales. A few hours here and there will help support and build the community. Also, drop off books and media donations at the store or the library. Items need to be in good condition. The store cannot accept textbooks, magazines, moldy or damaged books. In other words, if you wouldn’t buy it, please recycle items.
Visit the Parma Public Library or Mainly Books to learn more about the week’s activities, and to find out how to become a member of the Friends. Offered on the first Tuesday of every month is a Senior Discount at Mainly Books. For more information, “find, like and follow” the store on Facebook.
National Friends of Libraries Week is coordinated by United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association with approximately 4,000 personal and group members representing hundreds of thousands of library supporters. United for Libraries supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries, and brings together library, trustees, advocates, friends and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information, visit http://www.ala.org/united.
Provided information
