Friends of the Library
When and Where We Meet
6:30 pm, on the last Monday of each month at Frances L. Simek Memorial Library in the large conference room. No meetings in June, July, August or December.
Members have a special “members only” early shopping right before the book sale. But the biggest reward for becoming a member is the satisfaction of participating in the development of a first-class library.
Who We Are
The Friends of the Frances L. Simek Memorial Library, Inc. (Friends) is a non-profit 501{c}-3 organization, dedicated to aid and promote the activities and services of the Frances L. Simek Memorial Library-Medford. Friends of the Library are the special people who give freely of their time, energy and enthusiasm to accomplish these goals.
There are volunteer projects to fit different times and talents. Volunteerism provides a chance to enhance the library and help the staff. Do you have some extra time? Are you looking for something new and would like to help the library? Join the FOL Volunteers
Volunteers can arrange their schedules for their convenience. Some people work on a regular schedule coming in once a week. Others prefer coming in when help is needed as an on-call volunteer.
What We Do
FOL members give support financially to the library, and many also choose to participate in other FOL sponsored activities such as:
- Semi-annual Book Sale – twice a year the FOL volunteers organize a used book sale. Books donated by the public are for sale during the three day event (first day is FOL members only).
- Assisting the Library Staff – Some people volunteer to come in on a regular basis and help the staff where and when needed. On occasion, volunteers provide hospitality needs for various library and FOL functions.
- Shelf Help Day – The staff decides which area of the library needs a little extra tender loving care to make it more attractive and easier for the public to use. The Friends volunteer their time to get the job done.
- Tending The Library Gardens – Since we do not employ a gardener, the Friends took over the duties of planting and caring for the library gardens. This project is under the leadership of Kurt Radtke.
- Display Shelves – The Friends change displays on the shelves at the library entrance. This is the perfect place to display additions to the library collection and let patrons know what is available at the library.
- Events – Various presentation are sponsored by the FOL to share interesting topics or experiences with the community.
Semi-annual Book Sale
The Friends of the Library sponsor a book sale twice a year – in Spring and Fall. The proceeds of the sale help with special project needs at the library.
Book sales in April and October. The library is accepting book donations at this time. Please drop them off inside the foyer of the library.
FOL Funded Projects
The Friends bring in funds through membership dues, contributions and various fund raising activities. These funds provide:
- Monthly stipend to purchase new books, videos, Wii games or other library media.
- Annual support for the Children’s Summer Reading Program and other children’s programming.
- Purchase of the annual Caldecott and Newbery award books.
- Purchase of computer software to enable patrons to utilize computers without staff intervention.
- Support for the continuing development of our library.
- Additions to the library computer equipment.
- Purchase of the microfilm reader and its related maintenance.
- Book prizes for the Open House during National Library Week.
- Continuing additions to the library collection.