Get to know how the public library works behind-the-scenes! This year, we’ll highlight different departments and services at the Hamilton East Public Library to give you an inside glimpse into how the library serves our community.
Today, Brandon S., President of the Friends of the Hamilton East Public Library, will explain how they support the library through fundraising and advocacy.
Q: What is the Friends of the Library?
A: Friends of the Library raises funds to support programs, events, and the many diverse needs of the Library. Our amazing team of volunteers operate the Friends bookstores in each branch to facilitate donations and sell items to our guests. Every few months, Library staff submit requests for funding – everything from prizes for the Summer Reading Program and funds to hire special musical performers to supporting the Maker-in-Residence and the many book giveaways throughout the year. Our hundreds of family and individual members, along with our seven-member Board, take great pride in the many impactful programs we’ve supported at the Library for many years.
Q: How did you get involved with the Friends of the Library?
A: The Hamilton East Public Library is an incredible community resource. My wife and I have been patrons of the Library since the day we first moved to the area 20 years ago, and the services of the Library have grown and evolved just as our family has. As we welcomed kids into our home, they became big fans of the Library, too. Several years ago, we asked ourselves, “Since the Library has given so much to us, how can we start to give back to the Library?” We are fortunate to have found the Friends of the Library, which is an engaging and impactful way to give back and make a difference.
Friends of the Library Book Shop at Noblesville Library
Q: Tell us about a typical day in your position as President of the Friends of the Library.
A: The many talented volunteers running our two bookstores make a typical day run very, very smoothly. They do an incredible job keeping the donations coming in, the bookstores stocked and clean, and the inventory of books flying off the shelves. My role behind the scenes is to help process the requests that come in from Library staff for program support. I’m also always looking for new ways to engage in fundraising, build awareness, and make sure that the Friends can continue to support Library programs for many years to come.
Q: What’s your favorite part of working with the Friends of the Library?
A: Every few months, the Friends Board will meet to discuss all of the Library’s new funding requests. I never know what to expect each time, and I’m always so moved by the requests that come in. Our Library staff are incredible, and they know how to create programing that is going to make a real impact in our community. Reading and approving these requests is a very fulfilling part of this role. Knowing that the funds we’ve worked so hard to raise will make a difference for so many people in the community is absolutely my favorite part of working with the Friends.
Friends volunteer Cindy helping a patron in the kids section.
Q: What do people not realize the Friends of the Library do?
A: Most people see the bookstores (they’re hard to miss!) and assume we just sell books. I think people sometimes don’t realize that everything in the bookstores comes from donations. If Library patrons have bookshelves that are getting a little overstuffed, we welcome those donations! We’ll turn donations back into funds for Library programs. Donations can be dropped off at the bookstores (look for a staff member or drop them in the donation slot) anytime the Library is open.
I also think that people don’t realize how many programs throughout the Library are supported by the Friends of the Library. There’s a very good chance that one of the programs you attended last year received support from the Friends.
Stop by the Friends of the Library Book Shop!
Q: What goes into running the Friends of the Library Book Shops?
A: Running the Friends bookstores is unlike running any other sort of retail establishment. We have no control over the inventory donated, so we’re certainly kept on our toes as new items roll in. Late-night donation of hundreds of romance novels? No problem! We’ll have a romance-themed section in the bookstore the next day. Someone donated their entire CD collection? We can handle it! Time for a “Buy One-Get One” sale on music. I do think most guests would be impressed by how quickly our volunteers process donations, get things on the shelves, and keep the inventory moving. And, did I mention, run entirely by incredible volunteers!
Q: Where can people learn more about the Friends of the Library and get involved?
Friends volunteer Pam helping a patron find books.
A: There are so many ways to get involved! You can shop at the bookstores. All money collected (we now accept Venmo!) supports Library programs. You can make a physical donation to the bookstores. We accept gently used hardback and paperback books, DVDs, CDs and audio books. You can make a financial donation by dropping funds into our donation bins or donating through Venmo. And, finally, we encourage everyone to become an official member of Friends of the Library. Membership forms are available at both bookstores. You can always reach us at [email protected].
Thank you, Brandon! Stay tuned to the HEPL blog each month to learn more about the library behind-the-scenes!