Bath County Friends of the Library are dedicated

Board members of the Friends of Bath County Public Library got together at the library recently to stuff envelopes for their annual mailing. Pictured are (l-r): Bill Ray, Kay Alexander, Lee Elliott, and Chet Covert; not pictured was president Jane Lyle. (Photo courtesy of Sharon Lindsay) WARM SPRINGS — The Bath County Friends of the Library is dedicated to the enhancement of services and equipment to the Bath County Public Library.

The first meeting of this group was held Jan. 13, 1987. According to the minutes of that meeting, a constitution was discussed and approved. A slate of officers was presented and also approved. According to some of the old minutes that were recently located, Betsy Fagan, Hella Armstrong, Tom Morgan and Bonnie Kling were on the original board. At that meeting, the Friends agreed to sponsor the summer reading program and raise $5,000 to help pay for a new bookmobile. Reading through the old minutes, one gathers that the Bath County Friends of the Library has always been an instrumental part of library services in Bath County. They have continually supported the summer reading program, paying for performers and craft supplies. Without their support the library would not have been able to have many quality programs over the years.

Authors such as Sharyn Mc- Crumb, Donald McCaig and Alan Cheuse have graced the library with their presence, as well as classical guitarist Peter Fletcher several years ago, who the library hopes will return next year. The library has had many book discussions and environmental programs directly related to Bath County. The Bath County Friends of the Library help support the book on CD program and DVD purchases. These are two of the most popular materials in the library.

All of these events and services along with many, more have been sponsored by or paid for by the Bath County Friends of the Library. The Friends have just recently mailed their annual newsletter and contribution request. Board members met at the library and assembled more than 500 letters, which were mailed last Friday. This year, the Friends hope to raise about $8,000. They realize this is a large amount considering current financial situations, but they feel everyone realizes the value of the public library, especially during hard economic times.

To join the Bath County Friends of the Library, stop by the library on Courthouse Hill in Warm Springs.