Friends of the London Public Library is a volunteer organization which exists to provide community support for our library system.

Our Mandate

• to advocate on behalf of the Library
• to raise funds which enhance Library programs and collections.

During its first eighteen years, Friends have raised more than one million dollars for value added Library programs and services not covered by the City operating grant.

News

Friends Donate $25,000 to the Library

Members of the Friends’ Executive presented Josh Morgan, Chair of Library Board with a cheque for $25,000 at its meeting Sept 20. With these funds, several services and programs focusing on children literacy will be enhanced. Also, the Library will be purchasing Books on CD for Visiting Library Patrons. This donation will also enhance the number of titles available in the very popular Book Club in a Bag program.  And, Computer Classes for Seniors will now be offered in several locations.

This year, Friends has donated $121,100 to support non-core service enhancements. This will continue to balance the principle of the Friends’ funding non-core service enhancements with the need for support of library services and strategic initiatives.

2012 Friends of the Year

At the Annual General Meeting Sept 18, 2012, Don Menard received the Friend of the Year Award for 2012. He is shown with his wife, Fran, and his grandson, Damien.

Don has been the man behind the annual Book Sale since 2004. As Book Sale Coordinator, Don is responsible for the overall event, starting with the collection of materials and sorting at the Byron warehouse and at the Central Library sorting room, throughout the year. In addition, he ensures that preparation for the actual sale goes smoothly, including getting approximately 55 pallets of materials to Western Fair and the materials displayed appropriately. All of this requires numerous volunteers, and most of them know Don. In 2011, he also oversaw the renovation and reorganization of the Byron warehouse.

The annual Book Sale would not be the success it has become; indeed it might not even be a continuing event without Don’s leadership during the past several years.  Congratulations, Don; you are undeniably the Friend of the Year.

Speaking with Friends

One of the programs co-sponsored by Friends and the Library is Jazz for the People. As part of our Speaking with Friends series, the Sandy MacKay Trio performed in the Wolf Performance Hall following the AGM, Sept 18. The free concert was well attended by Friends and other jazz lovers of all ages; it featured John Noubarian on piano, Sandy MacKay on drums and Darryl Stacey on bass. They treated us to a variety of jazz pieces, including The Nearness of You, Ode to Billy Joe, and, as the finale, and appropriate to the season, Autumn Leaves.