Franklin County Libraries celebrate National Friends of Libraries Week

The Franklin County Public Libraries will be spending the week of October 16-22, 2022, celebrating its Friends of the Libraries group as part of the 16th annual celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week, sponsored by the American Library Association.

Displays will be set up in each library branch during the National Friends of Libraries Week highlighting the work of the Friends. During that week, anyone who renews or joins as a member of the Friends for the upcoming year will be entered in a raffle for one of several baskets to be given away.

The Friends sponsors two soup, bread, and book sales each year with in-kind donations of food and labor from Friends’ members and community supporters. In addition, other donations from individuals and groups are received each year. Membership is the only other source of support. In the past, the Friends’ membership has been close to 200.

It is currently closer to 50. The community and those who benefit from library services are encouraged to buy a membership and help support the Franklin County libraries.

The Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries (FFCPL) was established in 1994. The organization was instrumental in the building of two county libraries. With funds donated to the Friends, the current Carrabelle library building was opened in 2002. In addition, through donations, grants, and a USDA loan, the current Eastpoint building and administrative offices were opened in 2013. The Eastpoint building is completely maintained by the Friends. Franklin County rents the building from the Friends, which helps to offset some of the maintenance costs. The Friends provides funding for the Summer Reading Program as well as other programs throughout the year.

In addition, the Friends annual meeting will be held during that week, on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 5 pm at the Carrabelle branch. All members are welcome. A special presentation will be made in honor of Jackie Gay, who was instrumental in the beginning of the building fund for Carrabelle. Refreshments will also be served.

Friends of Franklin County Public Libraries is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the Franklin County Public Libraries in Eastpoint and Carrabelle, Florida. For more information on the Friends, please contact the Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries at ffcplflorida@gmail.com or go to http://friendsfcpl.com/.