From movie nights to storytelling to reading programs, the Lopez Library is a hub of activity for community members of all ages.

Many of the diverse offerings available at the library are paid for by the Friends of Lopez Library. A separate group, the Friends of the Library supports quality library service through fundraising, volunteering, and advocacy, and has been a behind the scenes supporter of such events as the Teddy Bear Picnic, the children’s summer reading program, storyteller performances, monthly art exhibits, and the summer intern program. The Friends also help the library to purchase equipment, such as a low-vision reader, the computer scheduling program, a laptop, and a computer projector.

The Friends of Lopez Library (FOL) membership is made up of everyone who volunteers time and/or donates money in support of the library and the Friends’ events. “FOL’s fundraising and advocacy is entirely due to the time and effort of the Lopez community,” said Ginger Lowell, a FOL board member.

At the annual meeting on Thursday, April 17 from 5-7 p.m. in the Library the volunteers will be recognized, new board members introduced, and refreshments served. This year volunteers have been invited to choose a book from a list prepared by Library Director Lou Pray; the Friends will purchase the book and add a bookplate inscribed to the volunteer in recognition of their service to the library. The meeting is open to the community.

“We’re both a financial and an advocacy organization for the library,” said MaryLynn Whitley, president of FOL. The group works with the library to extend the library’s budget, and to pay for items for which the library budget cannot be used. FOL also provides funds to offset costs, as it did for the library’s major renovation project in 2000.

FOL raises the majority of its funds from its July 4th and November book sales; they also sell library-related merchandise such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, aprons, bags, coasters, and notecards. They stock and sell the paperbacks that you see at the ferry dock and in the library lobby. FOL also conducts an annual donation campaign in April; donations can also be made at the circulation desk in the library.

In their advocacy role, FOL volunteers are working on several projects this year: Lorrie Harrison has been contracted to write a book about the history of Lopez Library; Judy Hill is applying her scrapbooking talents to the collection of mementos, press clippings, and photos that chronicle years of library activities and programs; and the Friends are revitalizing their “Books for Babies” project. This program provides a kit in either English or Spanish that contains two board books, pamphlets for parents on the importance of reading to young children, and a baby’s first library card.

The FOL board consists of up to 15 members; members serve three-year terms. Anyone interested in being a board member or volunteering with an FOL activity is encouraged to call MaryLynn Whitley at 468-4645 or Ginger Lowell at 468-2650.