"Friends" organization helps library programs in many ways

DAYTON–The Friends of the Dayton Memorial Library is a non-profit corporation dedicated to making contributions, grants, and gifts to benefit the Dayton Memorial Library and its patrons. The organization relies on volunteers to help with events and fundraising.

Established in 1982, the group currently has eight members who meet monthly to discuss the budget, including providing funds, materials or resources for programs and projects and to consider any specific requests made by the library director.

The group helps with the sign-ups for the Summer Reading Program, poetry and music programs, after-school programs, and library story times.

Money is raised through the book sales, grants, and donations. According to Incoming President Lorna Barth, the largest source of funds come the annual book sale.

With the funds raised, the Friends contribute supplies for the Summer Reading Program, Movie Binge Boxes, kids holiday parties, Senior Center outreach and Family Story Time. They also provide funds to buy “banned books” and Kindle prizes for Banned Book Week, as well as computers and monitors for the library.

They offer support or services for library accessibility, grant writing, and library enhancements, such as painting or updating the bookshelves.

One of their projects, the Little Free Libraries were set up right about the time the pandemic hit, according to member Pearl Dennis, who pointed out that they provided a valuable resource while the library was closed. The first ones were at The Depot and by Steve’s Grocery. They have since expanded to other locations including the Dog Park, on West Clay Street and by the Port of Columbia.

The Friends fill The Little Free Libraries will materials that are fitting for all ages. On the wooden boxes containing the books it states, “Take a book, leave a book,” therefore anyone is welcome to take or leave books. According to Dennis, if a member of the Friends finds materials that are not fitting for all, they will pull it, but they do not regulate the collection.

The group also provides upkeep to the libraries, as needed.

Most recently the Friends contributed to the 2022 Christmas Tree Festival during Christmas Kickoff weekend by donating a decorated tree for raffle for this year’s beneficiary, the local soccer and little league programs.

New members, volunteers and fresh ideas are always welcomed.