Serving refreshments at the Library’s 2013 Cemetery Walk are Friends of the Library volunteers Pirkko Miller, Mary Erb and Mary Schmidt. This is just one of the many ways the Friends of the Library organization assists the library and patrons.
(Photo provided)

The American Library Association has designated Oct. 20-26 as National Friends of the Library Week, and the North Webster Community Public Library would like to publicly acknowledge our own local Friends of the Library (FOL) organization for all their hard work and dedication in promoting our local library. Many of the resources and programs we offer would not be possible without their continuing support.

“Our Friends of the Library group knows the library is the cornerstone of our community. Their gift of time and commitment to the library sets an example of how volunteerism leads to positive civic engagement and the betterment of our community,” states Beth Smith, director of adult services and the library’s FOL liaison. “We have one of the best Friends groups in Indiana. Thank-you, Friends of the Library!”

Thirty-three members strong, the North Webster Community Public Library Friends of the Library (FOL) hold monthly meetings at 10 a.m. on the fourth Monday of the month. Throughout the year, they organize four large book sales in addition to other fundraising projects. All proceeds go to support the Library. FOL members also assist with programs and special events in a variety of ways. Cost of membership is $12 for an individual or $16 for a dual membership, and new members are always welcomed and needed. If interested in joining this worthwhile organization, contact Adult Services Director Beth Smith at 574-834-7122 ext. 205 or e-mail [email protected]. Membership applications are available at the Information Table in the Library or on the “About Us” page of our website at www.nweb.lib.in.us.

While the American Library Association promotes Friends of the Library, the Indiana Library Federation is holding its annual conference this week in Indianapolis where our own Local History and Genealogy Director Beth Smith is a featured speaker. Beth will give a presentation, entitled “Make Your Indiana Room the Crown Jewel of your Library”, on how libraries can develop and grow their local history department. Thousands of library professionals from across the state are attending the conference at the Indianapolis Convention Center including key staff members from our own Library.

After a busy week of professional development at the state conference, Youth Services Librarian Pam Long (aka Mrs. Pam) will return to resume Preschool Story Time at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30. Approximately 25 preschoolers have been movin’ and groovin’ with Mrs. Pam each week as they explore music and motion through stories, songs, finger plays and crafts.

It will be a little lower key in the Adult Service Department when the Voyager Book Club meets at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28, to discuss a “gentle-read” book that each has read. In this book club, participants choose their own books to read within an assigned genre, then share what they’ve read with others in the group. It’s a fun way to discover interesting and entertaining books. If you want to join in the discussion, check out a “gentle-read”, start reading and be ready to share. Next month’s genre will be a humor book.

The Library’s new weight loss support program, called “Lose It at The Library,” has been so well received that it will now be held at 5:30 p.m. every Monday. The first and third Mondays will be “Weigh and Walk” in which participants weigh in and then walk the corridors of the North Webster Community Building. Weigh-in followed by a program will occur on the second and fourth Mondays. In those months that have five Mondays, there will be special programming for the fifth Monday. If you’re 18 or older and struggle to lose or maintain your weight, join in and “Lose It at The Library”.