About The Friends
Friends of the Library Board for 2021
Cynthia Saunders- President
Owen Bailey- Secretary & Membership
Nina Newlin- Treasurer
Wendy Costa
Colleen Sundstrom
Jean Sucharewicz
Madhu Sidhu
Les Palmer
Al Hammond
Joy Kim
The Friends of the Kent County Public Library is a nonprofit organization that serves and promotes the Kent County Public Library.
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Friends are a group of people who donate hearts, hands, and more to the library they love.
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Friends help the community by encouraging literacy.
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Friends raise money for library needs not covered by the library budget.
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Friends provide enriching cultural programs.
- Friends raise awareness about the wonderful resources available at the library.
The Friends of the Kent County Public Library has been helping the library since 1973 with gifts of materials, electronic equipment, educational programs, literacy programs and organizing book sales and literary presentations. A history of our accomplishments written by Dianne Turpin, Forty Years of Friendship, was given to FOL members at our gala last year. In over forty years of Friendship FOL has raised over $500,000 in support of library programs and materials.
The Friends of the Kent County Public Library has been helping the library since 1973 with gifts of materials, electronic equipment, educational programs, literacy programs and organizing book sales and literary presentations. A history of our accomplishments written by Dianne Turpin, Forty Years of Friendship, was given to FOL members at our gala last year. In over forty years of Friendship FOL has raised over $500,000 in support of library programs and materials.
The Friends paid for the new floor in the hallway, gave $10,000 toward the Project 2020 renovation, contributed $10,000 to the library for programs and materials, and funded 60 students completing the commitment of the Imagination Library program.
In 2018
The friends was able to give the library $16,000 to enhance their book and audiovisual collection provide quality programing including the successful author event purchase additional supplies for children’s activities fund training opportunities for staff members A big Thanks to all our members!
In 2016
We have made a commitment to the library for $15,000 to be used as follows: $6000 for books, $2000 for AV, $5000 for Programming and $2000 for Education
In 2015 the Friends have given the library –
A new floor for the circulation desk over $7,500
Books, programs,audiovisual equipment over $11,500
A contribution for staff development of $500.
Look for the FOL Bookplate in the new books we gave to the library.
FOL has given 356 books to the library so far in 2015!
In 2014
The Friends gave the library over $11,000 to provide for:
- Children’s Programing
- A Parenting Presentation
- Author Night
- Radio Jarocho Perfornance
- A Flat Screened TV, Projector and Case
- New adult Chairs and a rack
- Support to staff for professional conferences.
In 2013
Our contributions included:
- $2,432 in profits from the hallway sales of Friend’s Books
- $6,000 for designer flooring and additional shelving in the public meeting room and a new display case in the front hallway
- $900 worth of materials for children’s programs
- $3,000 for author readings and receptions featuring Christopher Tilghman (The Right Hand Shore) and Henry Weincek (Master of the Mountain)
- $1,600 for picnic tables
- $690 for additional folding chairs
- $1,000 for the Dishi Bem Dance Troupe appearance