“Libraries need Friends – it’s just that simple,” says the American Library Association. “Across America, many public libraries were established through the efforts of community members who understood the value of libraries to their communities and also understood that libraries needed community support to survive.”
The Britton Public Library has taken that message to heart with the formation of an official Friends of the Library group, designed to rally community support and bolster the library’s efforts through fundraising and volunteer work.
The newly launched group is made up of local residents who volunteer their time to support the library’s programs and services. From helping with summer reading and story time to decorating or preparing crafts, volunteers play an active role in day-to-day library operations.
Kelley Beck, a trustee for the Friends of the Library, said she didn’t hesitate to get involved. “Knowing how many books we’ve checked out, programs we’ve participated in and just time my kids have hung out at the library after school, I didn’t think twice when Sonya approached me to become a ‘Friend of the Library.’”
But fundraising is the group’s primary focus, according to Library Director Sonya Lang. With libraries across the country facing budget constraints, she said, community support is more important than ever. While the Friends group can’t fund items like salaries or utilities, it can provide crucial help for programming, equipment, and facility updates.
“We’re facing cuts that may affect services like our website and calendar,” Lang said. “We need a new circulation desk, new flooring, and we’ve even outgrown our building. We have big needs, and this group can help us meet them.”
Lang said that while the library has always been fortunate to have dedicated volunteers, forming an official organization—currently working toward tax-exempt status—will increase their impact and fundraising ability. She also hopes the group will ease some of the financial burden on the city.
Beck echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how much the library offers the community. “Not only do the staff do fun programs and activities to promote the library for all ages,” she said, “they provide a space that can be used for studying, coffee, meetings or just a safe place for the kids to go after school.”
Membership is open to everyone in Marshall County, not just Britton residents. The group held its first meeting in March and now has a board in place. Annual dues are $5. Members receive perks such as printing discounts, extended bidding on silent auction items, and the knowledge that they’re helping strengthen library services.
The Friends have already begun planning several events, including raffles, split-pot drawings, and a silent auction in May. Donations for baskets are currently being accepted, and donation containers will soon be placed in local stores. A book sale is also in the works. And this year’s Summer Library Program, “Color Your World,” will run June 4 through July 9.
Friends of the Library Board President Corinne Zorn said the group is committed to keeping the library a thriving part of the community. “We want our library to remain an important part of Britton,” she said. “It offers so much.”
Beck encouraged community members to get involved and support the library however they can. “Please utilize our wonderful library and watch for upcoming opportunities to help,” she said.
The group welcomes volunteers of all interests and skill levels—from those who enjoy cutting and prepping crafts to others who prefer organizing or helping with events. For more information or to become a Friend of the Library, stop by the Britton Public Library or call 605-448-2800.
