The Rogersville Review

Library manager hopes new organization will raise extra funds for added services

CHURCH HILL — To help alleviate the strain of a tight budget, Church

Hill Public Library manager, Maureen McDaniel and other library supporters had a novel idea — to form a group of like-minded friends.

McDaniel said she believes the new “Friends of the Church Hill Library” group will not only offer people an opportunity to come enjoy the benefits of a library, but also raise community awareness while obtaining additional funds for the library’s continued success.

“We just don’t have the extra money right now to fund certain projects and we hope this organization will become a way to increase what we have to offer,” she said. “It’s also a chance for the community to offer extended support, not just financially, but by giving Church Hill Library a stronger community voice.”

The primary goal with “Friends” is to support a “strong, vibrant public library” as “a unique community asset.”

“Our mission is simple,” the Friends statement reads, “To support and promote the Church Hill Public Library by supplemental actions and by increasing community awareness and participation.”

McDaniel said funds raised from the annual $10 individual membership, as well as the $15 family membership, will be used to purchase fixtures and educational programming as needs arise.

“Membership fees are a starting point for us to eventually purchase new fixtures, like display cases, shelving or other furnishings for the library.

“We also want to offer educational classes or programs which may include learning basic computer skills, or bring in educational speakers or authors on a regular basis.”

In addition to support from membership fees, the program will also rely on various fundraisers. One of the first Friends has planned is a used book sale, tentatively scheduled for the third weekend in March.

McDaniel said the library is currently accepting “gently used” books for the sale.

To increase membership and awareness about Friends, a “Coffee, Tea and Talk” has been scheduled from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. on November 20 at the library’s porch cafe.

“This will be an opener, an opportunity for people who are interested in learning about the library and the services it offers to drop in, have a look around and learn about Friends of the Library, too,” McDaniel said. “A list of new book arrivals will be available, as well as a books to look for in the near future and several great Christmas reads.” Refreshments are also planned.

For more information on Friends, or any available service at the library, call Maureen McDaniel at (423) 357-4591.

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