FOL News
Message from the President
Dear Friends,
“Where does the money go?” It’s an essential question to ask for any household, business, or nonprofit organization, and it’s something the Friends of Alamance County Libraries board thinks about a lot.
As a 501 C-3 organization, we strive to be good stewards of the funds raised from our books sales, memberships, and member donations. There are two closely related items on every board meeting agenda: a report on recent library programs (which always lifts our spirits and reminds us of why our group exists), and a financial update from our treasurer.
We often say that we “help fund library programs” but it’s important to know what that really means. Let’s break down some of those budget items:
Community outreach purchases books for families through the “Read to Me” program, distributed through local pediatricians, and to children through Christmas Cheer.
Lucky Day Books provides extra copies of many super popular books. Instead of lingering on a waiting list, imagine seeing your item on the Lucky Day shelf and walking out with it today!
Playaways: The highly popular self-contained audio books with headphones for listening on the go.
Staff Appreciation: The day each year on which we try to show the library staff how great we think they are.
Licensing: Fee paid to enable the use of copyrighted videos in workshops, such as the Anime club.
Scholarship fund: Library staff members can apply to be reimbursed for taking classes and attending workshops to enhance their professional skills
Zoom Pass: This innovative program allows families to check out free passes to regional attractions such as City of Burlington pools, the NC Zoo, Durham Museum of Life & Science, Kidzu Children’s Museum in Chapel Hill, Children’s Theater and Gallery Players at the Paramount, the NC Transportation Museum in Salisbury, the Conservator Center, the Painted Grape art & craft studio, Sylvan Heights Bird Park, and Family Fun with Alamance Arts.
And never forget, there’s our continuing commitment to paying for ten percent of the cost for the mobile library (bookmobile ) which will reach out to under served areas of our county.
Jeff Tudor
President, Friends of the Library
