Leap Year Book
Sale Results
President's Message
Family Technology
Centers on Target
Book Sales: Then and
Now
Holiday Treat 2002
Thanks to B.
Dalton
Friends'
Board Members
The February 28 & 29 Book Sale was the best sale ever! Book sales for the weekend totaled over $4,800.00. These funds go directly to the library to purchase books, magazines, etc. Thank you, Friends and buyers!
From the Desk of the President...
Welcome to Spring! In this new season we experience a rebirth in the natural world. In the Friends' library world, we are experiencing many new beginnings in the form of improvements for the library both on the main floor and in our basement book sale area.
First, a quick thank you to all the members who made a special donation to the new family technology center (TAFF) located behind the old card catalogue in the main reading room. Generous contributors have donated almost 500 dollars so far and the Friends have pledged to match each dollar donated. The two rooms will be used for adults who have younger children and need access to computers. Each room will also be equipped with educational toys and games for the children.
The importance of this brainchild by our new administrator, Barbara Byrne Osuch, came forcefully to mind when a group of Friends recently volunteered to survey library patrons on "Imagine a Day without Libraries." Over half of one small sample of respondents surveyed had come to our library from other communities to use our expanded services or were coming to use the Internet. The results of the total survey should prove how important libraries are for communities who are being hard hit by these tough economic times, especially in our Southland area. Hopefully, the government and taxpayers will continue to see the value of funding libraries as a way of keeping people's access to literacy alive.
Second, there are many milestones in the annals of Friends' acquisitions over the decades, originating from 1975 when the Used Book Sale was originally conceived. These include the donation and installation of bookshelves by George Maeyama, the kind loan of the ITC lobby by Steve and Etel Billig, the huge book donations by the Jacob and Beck families and, most recently, the transfer of our collection to the former I.T.C. space.
Now the makeover of our downstairs operation has undergone a huge transformation with B. Dalton's donation after their recent closing at Lincoln Mall. B. Dalton generously donated bookshelves, display shelves, carts, books, and accessories. Because the acquisition was so substantial, the Friends and the library paid for the cost of professional movers.
Of course, the
reason that we have so many new developments to celebrate is that the loyal
patrons and Friends of our library have been so generous of their time,
their money, and their book and record donations. We value your continuing
and generous support of all facets of the library.
-- Frank Baecher
Family Technology Centers On Target!
Administrative librarian Barbara Byrne Osuch announces that completion of the two new Family Computer Rooms should be ready by June. Construction of the rooms is finished; the computers are configured and ready to use. Remaining tasks include the purchase and installation of furniture and educational toys.
Prospective users of these rooms are invited to a series of training workshops offered from May 25 to June 24 during evenings and Saturdays. Training workshops will focus on the process of finding a job: creating a resume and portfolio, interviewing techniques, conducting job searches, etc. During each workshop, the library is running programs for the participants' children.
The grant will
not fund furniture and baby/toddler educational games and toys; therefore,
donations are still needed. Those wishing to contribute can send a check
made out to the Park Forest Public Library, c/o TAFF Grant. The Friends
have pledged to match each dollar contributed. For specific dates and information
about the workshops, contact the library at 748-3731.
In January of 1975, the Friends launched its first book sale. Since the recent bountiful acquisition from B. Dalton, it seems timely to review some highlights from our book sale history.
The early book sales required athleticism and foraging skills from our customers. There were no bookshelves, only boxes. Paperbacks were sold for 10 cents, hardbacks for 25 cents. Original sales were conducted upstairs in open areas of the library. The Camp Fire Girls Horizon club assisted volunteers and library board members with these initial sales.
Later, the book sales moved to the library basement, sharing the space with library storage and, of course, the Illinois Theatre Center. Then, the book sales were on Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday. It was a hectic process moving all the books out of the ITC lobby for the performances and back in again for the sales!
In 1987, shortly before the spring book sale, the library received two large private book donations, totaling at least 4,000 books. At this point, the Friends began expanding publicity about the sales to the metropolitan area. Also in the 80's, bookshelves and shelf parts had been donated from local libraries, schools, and bookstores. Talented and hard-working volunteers helped fashion these discards into our first serviceable bookshelves.
Recently, when the Illinois Theatre Center moved from the library basement to its present location, book sale sorting and selling became much more efficient. The ITC former lobby became the Friends' permanent space. This added space allowed the volunteers to expand the categories.
An annual trek to the Newberry Library with a rental truck has become a Friends' spring tradition. The book sale volunteers get stars in their eyes as they rapidly fill boxes with treasures for future sales and increased revenue for the library.
Within the last five years, the Friends have added the upstairs book cart as well as expanding sales to the Park Forest Farmers' Market.
In summer 2003, more donated shelving and much better lighting was installed. A handful of industrious volunteers worked and sweated all summer to categorize the huge amount of stored books into the expanded space. Shoppers at the fall book sale praised our new, organized, well-lighted digs.
Finally, our November 2003 bonanza from B. Dalton greatly enhanced the ease of shoppers at our most recent book sale. We were able to offer expanded categories and even alphabetize the hardback novels!
None of this would be possible without the tremendous effort of our dedicated volunteers, your continuous donations, and your steadfast membership.
-- Helene Cox, & Susan McGoldrick
There were cookies
and cider and coffee to enjoy while Beverly Myrow's talented harpists filled
the library with heavenly music. The baked goods were so varied and tasty
they sold quickly. Raffle prizes were many. Hand-crafted items by local
artists and useful gift certificates enticed buyers which helped earn over
one thousand dollars! The mini-book sale brought more money than ever before
for the library. New lighting and easier browsing through the thousands
of books really did make a difference. The December fundraiser for the
Friends seems to become more successful each year. Holiday music, delicious
treats, great prizes, and of course, a special book sale, have become wonderful
ways to usher in the holiday season. Thanks to Frank Baecher and Jennifer
Spinozzi for coordinating the raffle; to the hard-working volunteers for
organizing and working the book sale; to the bake sale crew and all of
those who baked and bought baked goods; and to the staff who remained patient,
cheerful, and so helpful throughout the day. All in all, over 3,000 dollars
were raised for the library.
Although it was a sorry time for book lovers, the recent Lincoln Mall's B. Dalton closing became a windfall for the library and Friends. The store donated many shelf units, display racks, tables, book trucks and other useful items. The staff was cheerful, helpful, and quite pleased that "book people" were getting this equipment.
A thousand thanks
to manager Gerri Carroll and to Samantha Fanello, Sue Morrow, and Randy
Wick, a long-time Park Forester, Rich East graduate, and supporter of the
library. Everyone is grateful for this generous gift.
-- Helene Cox
President: Frank Baecher
Vice-President: Jennifer Spinozzi
Secretary: Melinda Geist
Treasurer: Mitchell Cox
Book Sales: Helene Cox
Hospitality: Susan McGoldrick
Board Members at Large: Beverly Myrow, Mary Krachey
Administrative Librarian: Barbara Byrne Osuch
PFPL Board Liaison: Alice Racher
OFPL Board Liason: Joan Braden, Corine Hawthorne
footnotes
Editor: Susan McGoldrick
Contributing Editors: Alice Racher, Joan Larsen, Frank Baecher,
Helene Cox
Proofreader: Lisa McGoldrick
Friends' Webmaster: Susan McGoldrick