Kudos to library Friends

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Roseburg Public Library Director Kris Wiley said her library has some of the best Friends around.

“I’m talking about the Friends of the Roseburg Public Library, a 501(c)(3) organization made up of community members who are passionate about public libraries, literacy and lifelong learning,” said Wiley. “We celebrate the Friends every day and especially Oct. 20-26, which is designated National Friends of Libraries Week.”

Friends’ members attend programs, check out materials, share the library story and work hard behind the scenes to raise funds that support library programs and projects.

Over the past year, the Friends have donated more than $20,000 to the library. Most of that funding comes from their various sales of donated and withdrawn library books, according to Wiley.

Behind the scenes, Friends sort through every donation of books and magazines the library receives. Speaking of which, donations always are welcome during library hours; drop off items at the front desk.

Some donated material goes directly to the Friends Book Store, which is open to the public during library hours in the back of the library’s main room. The book store includes free magazines published within the past three years.

Currently, the store inventory consists of residual items from the large fall sale, and everything is free, Wiley added.

Some donated material is saved for the large book sales held quarterly in the Ford Room, and some is posted for sale on the Friends of the Library’s Amazon account. Proceeds from sales over the past year have been used to fund the summer and winter reading programs, craft supplies, giveaway books and program presenters.

The Friends also serve as the Local Program Partner for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, an early literacy program that mails one new, free book to registered children from birth to fifth birthday. Roseburg library’s service area includes these zip codes: 97443, 97447, 97470, 97471, 97494 and 97495.

As the local affiliate, the Friends are responsible for fundraising $13 per registered child per year; approving and managing changes to registrations; and paying invoices.

The per-child cost has decreased from $25. Roseburg library now can serve twice as many children because the State Legislature directed funding to expand the program statewide. All Local Program Partners receive a 50% match, said Wiley.

“Thanks to generous gifts from local funding agencies, businesses and individuals, our program has reached 2,800 children over the past five years. Currently, 1,500 children are registered,” Wiley added.

Online registration is available at imaginationlibrary.com; click “Check Availability.” Anyone may register a child. However, a parent’s or guardian’s phone number or email address is required. The first book is mailed eight to 10 weeks after registration.

“I encourage folks to consider becoming a Friend. The cost ranges from $8 per year for an individual to $100 for a business or lifetime membership,” Wiley said.

Visit the library or the group’s website, roseburglibraryfriends.org, for more information and a membership form.

The Friends also always need help with their book sales. Email friendsroseburglibrary@gmail.com or call the library at 541-492-7050 to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

“Thank you, Friends, for your support. We couldn’t do all we do without you!” said Wiley.