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MAMARONECK, N.Y. The local Friends of the Library group have said they hope to capitalize on the increased usage of the new Mamaroneck Library, which re-opened this summer.
"We're just picking up now," said Fred Rosenberg, former president and current member of Friends. "The library has gotten a lot of new cardholders since opening here, so we're hoping that this interest is going to extend into the Friends."
The nearly three-year renovation left the library in a confined space and the Friends of the Library with nowhere to hold programs. Now, with a brand-new building, they said they are ready to get started again.
The Friends are sponsoring an event Oct. 22 that will feature descendants of Caleb Heathcote, mayor of New York in the early 1700s, who will share what life was like during that time.
Sunday marks the beginning of the sixth annual National Friends of Libraries Week, offering Friends groups to promote their community outreach programs and raise awareness from Oct. 16 to 22. The celebrations also allow library staff and board of trustee members to recognize Friends groups and support local libraries.
The celebration was coordinated by the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF), a division of the American Library Association with approximately 5,000 Friends of the Library, Trustee, Foundation and individual members and affiliates representing hundreds of thousands of library supporters.
"I'm convinced that the libraries are so much richer for the enthusiasm and expertise that the Friends bring to the library," said Sally Gardner Reed, executive director of ALTAFF, in a statement. "I hope that libraries across the country will use this week to honor their best supporters the Friends of their Library and use this opportunity to promote and expand their membership in this valuable organization."
Friends groups, library trustees, and library staff can access a variety of online resources to help them celebrate National Friends of Libraries Week. Materials available on the ALTAFF website include promotional ideas, editable publicity materials, camera-ready bookmarks, ideas from past celebrations, and more.
To join the Friends, visit the Mamaroneck Public Library website here.
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