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The library staff and the Board of Trustees know how much the Friends of the Coeur d’Alene Public Library do to improve the services that patrons use.
The organization’s contribution has now been recognized by the Idaho Library Association (ILA). At the ILA’s annual conference at Templin’s Red Lion Hotel in Post Falls Thursday the Coeur d’Alene Friends received the “Friend of the Ye
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| Judy Edwards, President of the Friends of the Coeur d'Alene Public Library, is surrounded by Friends members at the Idaho Library Association Awards Banquet Thursday night when they received the ILA's 2010 Friend of the Year Award. |
ar” Award.
The Friends of the Coeur d’Alene Public Library formed in 1976 to raise funds in support of programs, to buy materials for the collection, and to purchase furnishings and equipment not included in the city budget. In addition, the Friends gave nearly a quarter of a million dollars in support of the building fund for the new library building on Front Avenue.
Known for their used book sales at the old library and at various sites over the years, the Friends established a permanent store in the lobby of the new facility – Second Story Books – which they continue to operate entirely with volunteers. Books and other items sold in the store are primarily donations.
In her nomination letter Kathleen Sayler, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees, noted, “Every Friends group is loved for their focused dedication and love for their respective libraries, but it seems the ramping up of membership to expand services in our new library has been extraordinary. The fact that this organization has served continuously for more than 35 years with that dedication is even more reason to recognize this group.”
Library Director Bette Ammon wrote: “Volunteering thousands and thousands of hours over the years, the Friends have participated in legislative activities and raised funds. Over the years they’ve voted to pay for shelving, puppet shows, books, building repairs, stamp clubs and more. They’ve supported the library’s unique Writers Competition for over 20 years by supplying prizes, refreshments, and judges.”
“We truly couldn’t get by without our Friends,” she added.
David Townsend, Communications Coordinator for the library said that Friends do more than just raise funds.
“The Friends are not content, however, to simply give money,” he said. “During each of the above mentioned history programs and at each book club discussion the Friends have provided refreshments and volunteers to serve them. More often than not Friends volunteers can also be found stacking chairs long after the audience has gone home. Prior to programs they provide support to our publicity efforts through word-of-mouth and by helping to distribute flyers.
“The Friends give their money, their time, and, just as important, their daily encouragement to the library staff.”
News about the library and other city departments is also available on the City of Coeur d’Alene news blog: cdacity.blogspot.com.
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