Mike Parker: Library ‘Friends’ begins a new year
Several years ago, I served on the board of directors of “Friends of North Carolina Public Libraries.” Known by the acronym FONCPL, this statewide organization promotes the interests of 384 public libraries and tens of thousands of library friends.
When I served on the board, I traveled to dozens of public libraries from Havelock in the east to Asheville in the west. I have been to libraries in Archdale, Monroe, Rocky Mount, High Point, Hickory, Wilmington, and Fayetteville – to name just a few.
I always left these libraries in awe of the energy and efforts local Friends groups pour into their communities and libraries. Friends across this state make a difference.
But I also left each library with a deep sense of appreciation and pride for what we have right here in Kinston and Lenoir County, both in our public library and in our local Friends group.
The Friends of the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library is rare in its commitment to spend money raised for programming. Many Friends groups raise money to buy books for library collections. Some Friends even do fund-raising to help their local library keep the lights burning.
The local Friends of the Library group rarely spends a dime buying books and never pays light bills. The chief focus is, and has been, enriching the programming efforts of our local libraries.
Chances are you have attended a program sponsored by the Friends. In 2023-24, the Library presented 3,493 programs with 68,717 participants. Out of those programs, 2,116 were for children and teens, and these programs drew a collective attendance of 42,078.
Among these programs were several literacy-based programs such as Baby and Me, Countdown to Kindergarten, and SenseSational Storytimes to help improve cognitive function, emotional development, and social and motor skills for all participants.
The Library’s Digital Resource Rover (DRR) continues to provide quality programs as well as print materials to areas of the community in need. Multiple daycares and after-school programs receive visits from the DRR, as well as public housing and assisted living facilities.
If you have attended any library programs, then our local Friends have touched and enriched your life.
By now, many of you have probably received a letter. This letter asks you to support our membership drive for the coming year. Please respond quickly and generously.
If you did not receive a letter, then let these words serve as my invitation to you to join the Friends. People just like you and me have made the Friends of the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library one of the most successful Friends groups in the entire state.
I heard one person who tried to attend a packed program that gave priority to Friends members say, “They turned me away because I was not a member of that expensive and elite group.”
“Do you have any idea how much it costs to become a member of Friends?” I asked.
“Well, no.”
“I didn’t think so,” I said.
Just to be clear, the Friends have several levels of membership. Students may join for $5.00. An individual membership is $10. A family membership is $20. For those who would like to give more, membership at the Sponsor level is $50; Patron level, $100; Benefactor level, $250; and Partner level, $500.
Regardless of the level you choose, you will be enriching the cultural resources of our community by joining Friends.
Thank you for your past support. Please renew that support now.
If you have never become a library Friend, why not join today?
Just stop by the circulation desk of any of the libraries in Kinston, La Grange or Pink Hill, and pick up a membership form.
Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.
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