Yesterday began National Friends of Libraries Week. This can be interpreted in two ways. First, anyone can befriend their local library, no matter how big or small the library is, and no matter how big or small the gesture made. I plan to take a tray of homemade cookies for our hard-working clerks and staff this week. I challenge you to do something similar or, at least, write a letter of appreciation to your local librarian/library.

Secondly, “Friends of Library” has become the nomenclature for groups that raise funds for and in many ways support their libraries. The first one I heard of was located in Friendswood, Texas (named thus because it was founded by Quakers, also known as “Friends”), about ten miles from Alvin, my hometown since 1968. In subsequent years, I discovered the Alvin Library where I read the New Yorker frequently since as a junior high school teacher from 1968 to 1978, my salary couldn’t handle such a “luxury” as a subscription to the magazine. An even happier discovery was the Alvin Library had its own “friends” group, known as The Alvin Library League. I have been a member from the time I found out about its existence and was even a member of the board of directors when I was attending graduate school from 1984-1986, not working full-time, and free to attend board meetings on Wednesday mornings. ALL, as it is known, still has its board meetings on Wednesday mornings, governing the many activities the Library League provides. Two fundraisers provide items for our library such as money for the Summer Reading Programs for kids, computers for the youngest patrons, furniture that needs to be replaced or updated–all unbudgeted expenses. One is Breakfast with Santa, a community event held the first weekend in December where little Alvinites can eat a healthy breakfast, usually provided by Joe’s BBQ, have their picture taken with Santa for free, and receive a “goodie-bag” containing crayons, coloring sheets, and candies to take home as a souvenir. It is a fun morning for all, including the ALL volunteers who serve the meal and facilitate the activities. The other fundraiser is the sale of used books, donated by the community and placed in a special section in the library. These two “projects” finance the League’s efforts to support the library.

Every year the Library League holds a membership luncheon in October (the only meeting each year) where members vote on officers, board members, and any changes/activities that require a membership vote. Also, the speaker is usually an author who signs and sells her/his books, usually a local author or, as this year, a New York Times bestselling author. The food is always outstanding, catered in recent years by Southern Elegance catering, The phrase, “…and a good time was had by all…” occurs every October thanks to great efforts on the part of directors, officers, and committee heads with their volunteers.

If you are reading this in the Alvin area, especially if you use the Alvin Library, join the ALL. Dues are amazingly low, and there is only one meeting a year although there are many opportunities to get involved with a committee and become acquainted with Alvin and its fine residents if you are so inclined.  If you are reading this elsewhere, ASK if your library has a Friends of the Library group, and join. If there is no group, get creative–START ONE– as the perfect way to celebrate Friends of Libraries Week.