Be a friend and spread the word!
This week is National Friends of Libraries Week! Each October, United for Libraries and Friends organizations affiliated with community public libraries across the US observe this week as an opportunity to celebrate how Friends organizations collaborate with and support library programs and the local community. The Friends of the Lynnfield Library (FOLL) are grateful to all of you who have become members, and we ask that you spread the word and encourage your networks to join FOLL, too!
Fun facts about the Lynnfield Library and FOLL:
- The Lynnfield Library was founded in 1892! The public library movement gained steam in the US in the mid-19th century. Massachusetts was one of the first states to enact a state-wide law authorizing cities and towns to establish publicly funded libraries in 1851. In 1890, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts offered each town seed funding of $100 to establish a public library. Lynnfield’s public library was founded soon after, in 1892.
- The Friends/ FOLL has been around for more than 60 years!Friends of the Lynnfield Library (FOLL) was established in 1960 as the town’s population grew and the library building was expanded in an attempt to keep up. A dedicated group of town residents began traditions like the beloved used book sales and the annual summer reading contest, growing the Friends activities over the decades since.
- FOLL funds more than you know! Today’s FOLL offers a range of support to the Lynnfield Public library. Did you know that FOLL provides the full budget for the Library’s popular museum pass program, funding for a range of children’s and adult programs at the library (including virtual yoga!), and support for the Library staff? We host two large book sales in the fall and spring, appear at a number of community events throughout the year, and host fundraisers in collaboration with local businesses, including Chipotle, Whole Foods, Savers, and more!
- FOLL reaches many, but more members of the community should be engaged! FOLL has 200 members today, but we want to reach even more of the town’s 4,500 households! Each of us benefits from the resources, services, and access to the library, and we can all play a part in supporting it together! Please encourage those you know to become a Friend.
Our next FOLL meeting is on Monday, November 14 at 7 pm in the Library mezzanine. Join us and learn more about what we’re up to, how we support the Library, and how you can help!
Thanks to the websites of the Boston Public Library, Lynnfield Public Library, and FOLL as sources of our facts!