President's Message

President’s Message…Patricia Joynton

When I came to Alpena, I was impressed with the amount of volunteerism in
the community. When I asked why so many people supported so many causes,
so willingly, I was told, “Well, I guess that we know that if we don’t do it, it
won’t happen.” That was the attitude of the organization formed to support the library.
In 1982, the Friends of the Library was established and with Abitibi raised $8,000.
to spend on books. That was the Library’s total book budget for the year. Since
1982, the Library has grown to be one of the major cultural centers of the city.
In 2007, 16,995 people attended the 291 programs held in the new conference room.
That was in addition to the 305,076 items that were checked out. We need to use the
term items instead of books because of the diversity of circulation options: videos, CDs,
tapes, toys, and even art. The programs are just as diversified, with everything from story
time with Grandma Bear, Books Talk series, summer book club, to presentations given
by world-renown authors being offered. In 2006, the Friends have had a major part
in supporting these activities as well as providing about 1,500 books to the Salvation
Army to give to children at Christmas, providing $2,000. toward the purchase of
sculptures, sponsoring a junior librarian program, funding $1,000. for the printing of the
art calendars, arranging receptions for special events, a thank-you luncheon for library
staff, and purchasing special requests items such as chairs, rugs, puppets, etc. In 2007,
friends sponsored an online book club, contributed money toward the apron exhibit
and wrote a book about “Apron Stories” in Alpena, purchased a recorder for the
oral history project, co-sponsored events like Drummunity, provided a staff
appreciation luncheon, again gave books out to children during Christmas, provided
author receptions, as well as the all the routine volunteering provided upon the request
of library staff. As a member, and now co-president, I have found it not only rewarding
but fun to be involved in a “society of friends in support of the arts and humanities.”

Please take the opportunity to check out the options available to you to contribute to
and enjoy membership in the Friends. For dues as low as $10., you too can help the
Library keep the award-winning status it has achieved in Michigan. Alpena wanted it,
supported it, and made it happen. Join the Friends of the Library and help make sure
our Library continues to grow. Call me (Pat Joynton) at 989-356-2830, or Brenda
at 356-6188, ext. 12. if you have questions, or pick up a Friends brochure at the library.