Friends of the Library potluck

Those who are interested in becoming more active with the library are invited to join the Friends of the Library. The group has a meeting beginning at 6 p.m. Sept. 1, as well as a potluck dinner, at the Hot Springs County Library, and new members are welcome.

Secretary Cindy Toth said the Friends of the Library raise money to promote the library, and purchase items that the library’s budget doesn’t cover. Some examples have included a bench, a podium, a computer, a projector, coat racks and an Easter Bunny suit. They also donate to the summer reading programs, and support and fund some of the library programs.

To help generate this money, the Friends have two book and bake sales each year — typically one in the spring and the other in the fall, at the armory. Toth added they try to schedule the sales outside any other events, to avoid any conflicts and to help draw people in. Additionally, they have a library employees’ appreciation luncheon in May and for the past two years have had a Chocolate Lovers event in February.

Though there is a membership drive in November, Toth said new members are welcome to join any time through the year. There are business memberships available as well as individual, and those who are interested and want to check out the group before signing up are more than welcome to attend the public meetings.

Toth noted meetings are 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of every month except December, June, July and August, and they follow a regular schedule of minutes, a treasurer’s report and discussion about upcoming events or anything to help the library.

Friends of the Library officers, along with Toth, include President Becky Hutson, Vice President Linda Umbdenstock, Treasurer Kathy Taylor and Officers Suzanne Samelson, Roberta Elwell and Joan Stetler.