Dear Editor,
A wise man once asked: “Does it worry you to be alone?” Fortunately, this is not a problem we have to grapple with: To paraphrase Ringo Starr, we at the Bartlett Library get by with a little help from our Friends! In fact, we’ve been getting by a lot of help from the Friends of the Bartlett Library since their founding in 2007.
Over the past decade our generous Friends have raised funds in support of programming for children, teens, and adults; new furniture and equipment; and continued staff training. Most important, however, our Friends have continually (and tirelessly) rallied, advocated and promoted the importance of the Bartlett Library to the broader community. Advocacy is their very raison d’être.
October 15-21, 2017, is the 12th annual National Friends of Libraries Week and is the perfect opportunity for the City of Bartlett and the Bartlett Public Library to give our Friends a big shout out for all they do to make all we do possible every single day. In fact, Governor Bill Haslam and Mayor Keith McDonald have already issued proclamations to recognize this vibrant volunteer group.
The Friends are always looking for new friends, members, and volunteers. Pick up an application at the library and join for only $10. You can also support the Friends year round by donating used books, shopping the daily book sales, and attending the public quarterly meetings. The Annual April Book sale is a community event that draws visitors from all over Shelby County and raises thousands of dollars for library services and outreach.
Joining our Friends of the Library is a terrific way for you make new friends, support the Bartlett Library, and give back to our city today.
Sincerely,
Eldon E. Holliday III
Manager, Bartlett Library
