Your Contributions at Work
Through the generous donations, gifts, bequests, and membership dues to the Friends, the Library and community has benefited by having expanded collections and programs that serve the community. The Library programs that the Friends support varies year to year, depending on the Library’s needs. Below is a description of some of the Library programs that the Friends has supported in recent years.
“Friendship for the Libraries is enlightened self-interest.”
~ Barbara Tushman
Storytime Program
Preschool storytimes are in English or Spanish and are intended for 2½ to 5 year olds. They are geared toward early exposure to children’s literature through stories in picture book format and finger plays, flannel stories and other activities. The Friends has funded truly memorable programs with nationally known storytellers, puppeteers, magicians and musicians, as well as regional and local professional artists.
1000 Books before Kindergarten
Given that it is never too early to start reading to your children, the Library invites children ages 0-5 and their families to join the free “1000 Books Before Kindergarten Program.” By reading just one book a night, families can reach the 1,000-book goal and ensure that children begin life with essential pre-reading skills.
Early Literacy Kits
Early Literacy Kits are a special collection funded by Friends of the Library. These kits are “storytimes to go” with five books on a favorite theme, character, or developmental skill, plus a toy, costume, game, or other related accessory, plus a list of early literacy tips for caregivers with ideas for other learning activities that focus on the skills kids need to be successful in school. This popular collection is almost always checked out, and very popular with families.
Special Programming and Events
Friends of the Library supports special programming. The Library hosts an annual El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros, a celebration of bilingual literacy including bilingual music and dance, crafts and games, and book giveaways.
With the help of the Friends, the Library is also able to host guests at Music and Movement classes, from professional children’s musicians to kids yoga instructors, to even the stars of Mo Willem’s popular children’s books, Elephant and Piggie.
Adult Literacy
This program provides invaluable one-on-one literacy tutoring to approximately 120 older teens and adults each year from trained volunteers. Participants receive free and confidential tutoring in reading, writing, and conversation. The Friends have provided teaching materials and high interest, accessible vocabulary books.
Books to Keep
The Friends of the Library also make it possible to give children who participate in the Summer Reading program a book to keep. Librarians also provide free books to graduates of the Reading Ambassadors program and at outreach events targeting low-income communities, like Housing Authorities Tools for School events. Libraries provide nearly limitless access to books and educational materials, but studies show that having books in the home and owning a book is strongly linked to academic achievement.
Summer Reading Program for All Ages
The Library’s Youth Services Department designs the annual Summer Reading Program to encourage children and teens to read during vacation. When children sign up they receive a reading log. They are invited to return to any of the Library branches to earn prizes when they tell teen volunteers about their favorite books.
A parent of a 1st grader shared that their child has won reading awards at school this year and said, “I think the reading program last summer is the reason why she is such a great reader.”
Book Club in a Bag
The Friends of the Library also funds the popular Book Club in a Bag kits. These provide copies of popular titles for book clubs, and are used both by library sponsored book clubs and community groups. A Book Club in a Bag contains everything your book group needs to enjoy reading and discussing your next book. Unless otherwise noted in the catalog, each adult fiction and nonfiction kit contains 10 copies of a title. Children’s kits contain 12 copies of a title.
Computer and Technology Programs
The library also offers a variety of computer and technology programs. Experienced volunteer Tech Coaches are available to work one-on-one to help with issues related to using personal computers and resolve any questions about using mobile devices, downloading library eBooks, and more. The Central Library has a 3D printer available for public use. Users can create and send designs for printing. 3D printing is free and available for all ages.