 Who or what got you started with the Friends?
I signed up many years ago to be a volunteer cashier and to bring baked goods for the bake sale at one of the Friends’ Book Sales. I have been volunteering with the fall and spring Book Sales pretty much ever since then. How long have you been involved with the Friends/Library? It is hard to remember when I wasn’t involved, so I think it was soon after we moved to Belchertown in 1996. Whenever I move to a new place, finding the local library is one of my first priorities. I consider myself an avid reader. I look forward to participating in the Clapp summer reading program, which broadens the range of genres I read. What is your favorite part of being a Friend? Although I know they can be hectic, I truly enjoy the Members Only night and half-price Saturday at the Book Sales. The first night is like the opening night of a theatrical show with a huge cast of characters and many moving parts. I love it when someone finds the books they were looking for at such affordable prices and they go away with a big smile. I also like seeing the old, rare and unusual books that are often available at the Book Sales. What would you say to someone thinking about joining the Friends? Do it now and show your support for the Library in a very tangible way. It is a great group of people who share a love of learning and reading for all ages. The Friends provide such a wonderful community service by raising significant funds for our treasured library. Also, I have met folks in town with whom I might never have crossed paths otherwise. Do you have a favorite author and why? I have several, but I always read anything written by Michael Chabon. I love his descriptive style, quirky characters, and complex storylines. I am on the inter-library loan waiting list (another of my favorite library services!) for his most recent novel “Moonglow” and I look forward to diving into it. Do you have any suggestions for the Library or Friends of the Library? Just keep thinking of the different needs of the diverse segments of our community for materials, programs and services – children, teens, adults, elders, newcomers, speakers of other languages, folks with disabilities, etc. That makes our public library an inclusive, vibrant community resource for all of us. |
