WHO ARE WE? The Friends of the Smiths Falls Public Library is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to promoting the cause of the Library, particularly literacy and to assist the Library in maintaining its high profile as a provider of educational, research, enjoyment and recreational experiences/services through fundraising efforts and advocacy.

WHAT DO FRIENDS DO?

Friends groups raise funds for special equipment or capital funds, facilitate new programs, advocate for improved library services promote the library in their community and enjoy social programs. They are "grass root" associations that work in co-operation with library boards and library administration. The Friends help to fund programs which might not normally be covered in the library's operating budget. Members of the Friends organization are volunteers who pay a small membership fee. They assist in providing basic library resources from books to enhanced computer access for the public. They share and invite others to share their love of reading and learning. Other Friends of the Library services: promote knowledge of and interest in the functions, services and needs of the library foster public support for the library and its development help raise funds to purchase equipment and materials not available through regular library budget provide volunteer assistance at special program and community events take part in lobbying and advocacy activities

EVENTS/PROGRAMS

Adopt-A-Book: Each year the Friends organize this event. Library staff select new titles that the library desires to purchase. Individuals or businesses are offered books at the library's cost which are discount from 25%-40%. A book plate is placed inside the book indicating the donor or in honor of someone. A charitable tax receipt is issued. Friend/volunteers sit at the book table to collect money and give receipts.

Book Sale: Currently there is an ongoing book sale in the basement of the library. Books are weeded from the library's collection and donations come in on a regular basis. These books need to be priced and sorted on shelves. This requires a regular commitment and some knowledge of used book prices. Special sales are held in the spring and occasionally fall. Friends/volunteers are welcome.

Author Readings: Author readings have been resumed after a year hiatus. We need friends/volunteers to help us with these events.

Upcoming Readings for 2006-2007: Check for updates! Denise Chong click on name for bio Reading to SFDCI students - October 27, 2006 (afternoon) Reading to adults from the community at the new SF Community Theatre (old railway station on Victoria Street) - October 27, 2006 (evening) Alan Cumyn click on name for bio Reading to adults from the community at the SF Community Theatre - November 18, 2006 Joy Hewitt-Mann click on name for bio Reading to adults from the community at the SF Community Theatre - February 17, 2007 Lowell Green click on name for bio Reading to adults from the community at the SF Community Theatre - April 1, 2007

We acknowledge the support of the Canadian Council for the Arts for putting on these readings. They funded 63% of the amount required. Donations are always gratefully accepted. Newsletter/"Between Friends": Two newspapers are published, one in the spring and one in the fall. Book of the Month Raffle: This raffle will start October 2000. A new book/bestseller is raffled each month. Only 200 tickets are printed. Why wait for that new book - buy a ticket and own it!! Tickets on sale at the library.

HOW TO BECOME A FRIEND/VOLUNTEER

Complete the application form and mail or drop it off with a cheque (payable to the Friends of the Library) at the library. The Friends of the Library meet on a regular basis. Thank you for your interest in the Friends of the Smiths Falls Library. Be a Friend today ------- your library needs you.

FRIENDS LINKS

www.friendsoflibraries.ca/ www.nla.gov.au/libraries/resource/friends.html www.folusa.com/