What do the Friends of the Library Do?
The Friends of the Library offer support in the form of assistance and/or funding in order to further the goals of the public library, including working at book sales and other fundraisers, purchasing new books and program materials, providing speakers, marketing, plus general support of library staff and events. They also serve as volunteers for library programs and initiatives.
In short, the Friends are responsible for:
- Supporting large library programs and initiatives financially.
- Running the bookstore behind the library.
- General fundraising in support of library programs and events.
- Raising awareness in the community of library services and programs.
- Volunteering to assist in library functions.
In the past couple of years, your Friends group has taken the initiative to:
- Sponsored the monthly Chair Yoga program so that patrons would be able to attend at no cost
- Hosted quarterly Murder Mystery dinners
- Developed a Members Volunteer Appreciation Day 2024
- Cut out, strung, and hung 2,977 butterflies as a memorial to the lives lost on September 11
- Cut out, strung, and hung 1,000 doves in honor of the living local veterans for Veteran’s Day
- Provided books and tote bags for the local detention center to assist in expanding their on-premises library
- Provided books to Head Start to expand their on-premises library
Did you know . . . the Friends of the Casey County Public Library were awarded the Outstanding Friends Group award in both 2022 and 2023 for their exceptional work and dedication in supporting their local library!
Friends of the Library Programs and Initiatives
Want to learn more about what your friends are doing? Click on an option to find out more, including how you can get involved!
Apple Festival
At this year's Apple Festival, the Friends group will have a booth set up and will have a non-cash prize wheel. For $2 per spin, take a chance to win assorted goodies, including books and CDs. Must be 18 or with guardian to spin.
Earth Day
The Friends always have a presence during the library's annual Earth Day program. This year, the Friends will have their own booth, where they will provide free plants for community members who stop by the library during the program. The booth will also include a how-to demonstration for recycling household items.
Monthly Movies
Your Friends sponsor the monthly movies on the second Friday at 6:00 PM and the fourth Friday at 6:00 PM. These are family-friendly movies that everyone in the community is invited to. The Friends not only pay for the license to show these movies, but they also provide popcorn for the viewings.
Jewelry & Craft Sale
This year, the Friends are expanding their annual Pre-Loved Jewelry Sale to include crafts of all sorts! On November 9, 2024, from 10:00 - 4:00 swing by your Casey County Public Library for a chance to grab some great Christmas gifts, or pick up something for yourself!
Silent Auction
Visit your library on November 7, 8, and 9 for your chance to score big in the Silent Auction. For the first two days, you can bid based on pictures. On November 9, all items will be out for display and final bidding. Bidding will close at 3:30 PM on November 9.
Comfort Boxes
The latest and greatest community support provided by your Friends are two Comfort Boxes located in each restroom at the library. These boxes provide much-needed sanitary and health items that some members of the community may have difficulty getting elsewhere but which the Friends believe every human has a right to have.
The Friends would like to thank the following partners in making the Comfort Boxes happen:
- Casey County Health Department
- White Smiles Dentistry
Coffee Bar
Your Friends provide continued support for the coffee bar housed at the Casey County Public Library. Stop by for a complimentary beverage—tea, coffee, or hot chocolate—provided by your Friends while you browse books and enjoy the ambience.
Friends of the Library Bookstore
The Friends book store, is the beige building located behind the library. It was originally started by Shirley Peyton and dubbed Shirley’s Place. Nowadays, it houses a twice-monthly book sale. Proceeds from the sale of books go directly towards supporting your Casey County Public Library.
Hours of operation:
Second Tuesday of each month from 12pm-4pm
Last Saturday from 10am-2pm
Books and movies are just $0.25 each for members ($1 each for non-members). Membership is $5 per year for a single person or $7 a year for a family. Stop by and pick up some great deals on books, while supporting your local library.
In Memory of Shirley Peyton
With appreciation for her humility and kindness
With gratitude for her compassion for those less fortunate
With admiration for her devotion to our community
We recognize the life of Shirley Peyton, a faithful and caring member of many organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. Shirley founded and ran the original Friends bookstore, beginning in 2004, as well as serving on the Friends of the Library board.
Support Your Friends of the Library
Become a member
Membership dues are only $5.00 per person per year or $7 per household. Members receive a steep discount on books and other items. We may have occasional membership gifts which may be purchased at cost in addition to the membership fee, such as T-shirts, bags, etc.
Sign up to volunteer
The Friends are always seeking eager volunteers to help with events. To get your name added to the list, send a message to caseycountyfriends@gmail.com along with your name, contact information, and what days you’re available to volunteer.
Contact
If you would like more information about being a Friend of the Casey County Public Library, please stop by the library, email the Friends of the Library at caseycountyfriends@gmail.com, or visit their Facebook page.
