By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
A support group that realizes how important the public library is to the “betterment” of Yukon has been honored for its going efforts.
October 17-23 was proclaimed “Friends of Libraries Week” in the City of Yukon.
The Friends of the Mabel C. Fry Public Library raises money that “enables our library to move from good to great,” according to the city council’s proclamation.
Members volunteer their time to help the Mabel C. Fry Library, 1200 Lakeshore.
“The Friends understand the critical importance of well-funded libraries and advocate to ensure that our library gets the resources it needs to provide a wide variety of services to all ages, including access to print and electronic materials, along with expert assistance in research, readers’ advisory, and children’s services,” according to the proclamation.
Friends of the Library members Susie Grimes, Sue Kilmer and Donelda Wheatley accepted the proclamation during the Oct. 19th Yukon City Council meeting inside the Centennial Building, 12 S 5th.
“We just appreciate the support of our community to help us at the Friends of the Library,” Grimes said. “We could not do it without you.
“Our profits go to the library so that the materials can be updated for our community.”
Mayor Shelli Selby presented the proclamation.
“My kids grew up in that library and are the amazing humans that they are today because of all the reading that they were able to do,” she said.
40-PLUS YEARS OF SUPPORT
The Friends of the Library formed in the late 1970s when Yukon’s library was preparing to become a publicly funded facility.
The group’s main purpose is to advocate for public libraries and host fundraisers to raise awareness about what the local public library has to offer.
Any funds raised through book sales help purchase books and other library collection resources.
Yukon’s Friends of the Library usually opens a used “bookstore” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first and third Saturday each month at the “original” Yukon library, 510 Elm.
Next month, the library support group will present its annual fall book sale on Saturday, Nov. 6 inside the Mabel C. Fry Library, 1200 Lakeshore.
The “Friends of the Library Week” proclamation indicates that Yukon’s Friends of the Library:
- Provides resources so the Yukon library can acquire materials that enhance its collection,
- Supports reading programs for children and adults
- And helps with special events throughout the year.
“The work of the Friends highlights on an on-going basis the fact that our library is the cornerstone of the community providing opportunities for all to engage in the joy of life-long learning and connect with the thoughts and ideas of others from ages past and present,” said Mayor Selby, reading from the proclamation.
“The Friends’ gift of their time and commitment to the library sets an example for all in how volunteerism leads to positive civic engagement and the betterment of our community.”
