Who are the Friends of the Mystic & Noank Library?

The “Friends of the Mystic & Noank Library” was organized in 1979. Since Friends groups differ from one another as much as libraries do, we have evolved our own distinctive pattern.

Fund raising is an important part of our purpose, and it enables us to support a wide range of gifts and projects that would otherwise not be possible for the Library. We also inform the public of the Library's resources and services; we purchase library materials and equipment for which funds are not available; we sponsor programs at the Library for the enlightenment and entertainment of the public; and we encourage and support volunteer assistance at the Library.

Fund raising

The public probably knows us best for our annual Spring Fair in June, which is our chief source of funds. This event includes a plant sale, baked goods, fudge, a silent auction (thanks to the generous support of the area merchants), white elephant items, and a huge book sale.

We also hold a Like-New Holiday Book Sale after Thanksgiving. In addition, we have an on-going sale of books, Friends' book bags, t-shirts, Library postcards, and coverlets to add to the funds which we use to benefit the Library.

Gifts to the Library

The Friends Committee has purchased many items for the Library, ranging from the handrails for the Library Street entrance to the audio-visual equipment in the Ames Meeting Room. We also provide support for the Children's Summer Reading Program and Museum Pass Program. The Friends Committee contributes annually to the Library book budget and purchases needed multiple copies of best sellers. We help the Library as the need arises.

Volunteer Assistance

Friends aid the Library staff in many areas, including:

• Book mending
  
• Book shelving
• Collection inventory
• Delivery of books to assisted living residences
• Sorting for book sales
• Processing new materials
• Helping with programs
• Setting up the Christmas tree
• Library mailings
• Special Events
• Serving on Friends Committees

Keeping patrons informed

We publish a newsletter six times a year, which is sent to all who have donated time or money to the Library in the last three years.

Programs

Library programs sponsored by the Friends have varied greatly,from story hours to local history, travelogues to health issues, and financial concerns to mystery writing. All are free and open to the public. They are generally held in the Ames Meeting Room.

How does one join the Friends?

There are two ways in which people can become Friends and show their support of the Library: through a donation to the Annual Fund or donation of time. Both are important and both are needed.


We also invite you to attend the Friends Committee meetings, usually the third Monday of each month, at noon in the Ames Meeting Room. There are no meetings in July or December. Bring your lunch and share our dessert. At the meeting, the Committee decides on programs, plans for the annual Spring Fair, Like-New Holiday Book Sale and other events, and discusses ways in which it can help the Library with purchases of equipment or other assistance.


Need more information? Call the Library and you will be put in contact with a member of the Friends Committee.

The Friends of the Mystic & Noank Library:

• is a non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.
• exists for the benefit of the Mystic & Noank Library.
• is an association of people interested in books and libraries.
• welcomes your interest and participation.
• holds its Annual Meeting, open to all, the third Monday of October at noon.