About Friends

Who we are

Organized in 1984, Friends of Hastings Public LibrarMarch 5, 2010e Friends organization is 496 members strong. New members always are welcome.

What we do

Friends support the library in two ways: fundraising and volunteer work.

Fundraising is accomplished through collection of dues and the annual book sale. Friends volunteers give their time to perform needed jobs in the library. They shelve magazines, sort books for the book sale, mend books, shelf-read (search the shelves for missing and misplaced books), create displays and work on special projects in cataloging. Friends members also host receptions for programs and social events. More than 3,400 hours of service were provided by 222 volunteers during 2006.

Mission statement

Members of the Friends of the Hastings Public Library are committed to helping the library, through advocacy, fundraising and volunteerism, to meet the needs and expectations of the people it serves by supplementing the basic services and programs provided by the library budget. (Adopted 4/1997)

Board of Directors

• Karen Butler, Treasurer
• Cammie Farrell, Correspondence Secretary
• Linda French
• Mary Lewis, Vice President
• Toni Mays
• Monty McCord, President
• Margaret Schlachter
• Jim Searl, Records Secretary
• Felicia Cogley, Volunteer Services Coordinator

Annual report

"Friends in deed!" – Presented at the annual meeting on April 19, 2007

The Friends of Hastings Public Library is a non-profit volunteer group with a commitment to help the library through advocacy, fundraising and volunteerism.

Since organizing in 1984, Friends members raised more than $175,000 to purchase items and provide services beyond the reach of the library's operating budget. The Friends treasury also provides funding for programs, special events and a bi-monthly newsletter, "The Library Link."

Today, the circle of Friends has grown to 480 members, supporting the library through dues, donations and advocacy. Some choose to volunteer for the library. New members always are welcome.

Friends had a productive year. In July, the Friends' "Monstrous Book Sale" was a huge success, raising more than $15,000 through sales and a grant. A romance book sale and raffle raised nearly $500. Through the year, 169 volunteers provided more than 3,500 hours of service.

Friends hosted presentations by U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser, and authors, Alex Kava, Steve Fischer, Renee Laegreid and David Kowolski.

Funding from Friends allowed for the purchase of new carpeting for the library's auditorium, a new exterior book drop and numerous library books and materials.

The Friends organization salutes Hastings Public Library, proud to have provided support for 23 years!