As the Roosevelt Library renovation nears completion, a group of local residents are coming together to support the library as “Friends.”
The next meeting on the newly formed Friends of Roosevelt Library will be on Wednesday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the SENA office (1830 E. 42nd St.).
What do Friends groups do?
– Promote existing library programs and activities and promote the value of their library.
– Raise money through book sales, special events, and joint membership dues.
– Grant funds to the library for programs, collections, and special projects.
– Host book clubs and public events.
– Work with their library liaison to determine how best to support the Library.
– Collaborate with the Friends of HCL so we can best support local Friends groups and the whole Library system.
In Hennepin County, there are 41 libraries and 38 local Friends groups (soon to be 41 Friends groups). Groups all work to raise money for the library but are all unique…
– Some groups are brand new and others are more than 50 years old.
– Some groups have four board members and others have more than 12.
– Most groups hold 2-4 book sales each year.
– Most groups meet monthly but some meet less frequently.
– Groups raise from $2,000 to over $15,000 each year.
– Last year, local Friends groups granted almost $144,000 to HCL
LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
The Roosevelt Library construction is well underway and the meeting room addition has been completed. Interior walls are finished and painted, wood trim has been installed and refurbished windows have been hung. The building’s exterior tuck pointing and sidewalk installation are also complete, and bike racks and monument sign base have been installed.
The grand reopening is scheduled for June 1, 2013.
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