The Parma Public Library will be spending the week of October 18 celebrating its Friends of the Library group as part of the 14th annual celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week.
The Friends of the Parma Library bookstore, Mainly Books, 24 Main Street, Hilton, was opened in 2007 to support the Parma Public Library. Currently over 100 community members contribute annually to the Friends by becoming a Friend, and more than 35 of these contributors actively volunteer their time to maintain the bookstore. Volunteers greet customers, help find that one special book, rotate stock, answer questions, put puzzles together, and host many other activities. Volunteer opportunities include shelf displays, hosting local author gatherings, semi-annual sales, financial support of the summer program that over 150 children enjoy, help the Adult Programs including craft supplies and new virtual gatherings, supply books to the Hilton Cadet Cupboard, help maintain the February Break Mascot program, and support the needs of the library not covered by the budget.
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 to support the library.
For those interested in donating some time, energy, or finances to support the community, applications are at the front desk at both the bookstore and the library. Any media donations can be dropped off at the store or the library. Items need to be in good condition. The store cannot accept textbooks, magazines, moldy, or damaged books.
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.
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 thousand 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 21 century. For information, visit www.ala.org/united.
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