Farmers' Market Used Book Sale
Thanks to the Friends from the Library Board
Friends Annual Meeting
Hats Off to Volunteers!
From the Desk of Marcella Lucas
Message from the Library Board
Spring 2003 Book Sale Update
Friends Board Members

FARMERS MARKET BOOK SALE
THE FRIENDS WILL BE  AT  THE FARMERS’ MARKET THIS SUMMER IN DOWNTOWN PARK FOREST!
MARK THESE DATES TO BUY A BUMPER CROP OF USED BOOKS:

June 21
July 19
August 9
September 13
October 4

Dear Friends,
     As I was wandering around the library the other day, I couldn’t help but think about all the things that the Friends have done for the library. I saw of course some of the actual “things” that have been purchased through book sales, bake sales, raffles, etc., but I saw also the people and imagined the hours that have been devoted to truly being Friends of the library. It is something for which I haven’t really expressed my thanks other than at an occasional function.
     This is really a personal thank you for all you do, although I know it reflects the feelings of the entire board. It is awesome to realize the time and effort you put in, whether it be the countless volunteer hours spent on the book sales, arranging programs, providing money for items that could not be purchased without help from you, or even spreading the word about the library to those who sometimes take the services we provide for granted. Last year, the Friends raised $14,000.00 for the library! Take a very big bow!
     I try to visit libraries wherever I travel, and I have not found one yet that matches our Friends, and it is no wonder that when others find out what you do, they want to know more about how you do it.  Yes, I am a Friend also, but I just want you to know how much I, and the other trustees appreciate what you do.  The tangible results don’t begin to show what went on to get them, and the library truly would not be what it is without you.
     So, thanks to the Friends, and anything I can do let me know.
               Penny Shnay
               President, Library Board of Trustees
 

Friends Annual Meeting
     On April 27, 2003, the Friends elected officers for the upcoming year and appointed committee chairpersons. The officers are Frank Baecher, President; Jennifer Spinozzi, Vice-President, Melinda Geist, Secretary; and Mitchell Cox, Treasurer. Chairpersons are: Helene Cox, Book Sales, Susan McGoldrick, Hospitality; Jennifer Spinozzi, Membership; Elaine Brownlee, Newsletter Editor and Website; Beverly Myrow and Mary Krachey, Board Members at Large. Library Board Liaisons: Park Forest Library Board, Alice Racher; Olympia Fields Library Board, Corine Hawthorne and Joan Braden.
     Before the business meeting, the Friends were treated to an inspiring lecture by Rikk Dunlap, professional speaker and author of The Angel of Dreams ~ A Fable of Hope (Adult New Books: Fic DUN PB). Rikk, who has lived in Park Forest since childhood, delighted the audience with humorous reflections on using the library as a youngster. On a more serious note, Rikk spoke on “The Five Steps to Personal Fulfillment.” We thank him for his time and wise words.
     We also thank Susan McGoldrick and her hospitality committee for a sumptuous and festive table of desserts with “library punch.”
                                       Frank Baecher,
                                       President, Friends
 
 

The library’s volunteers were saluted at a brunch in the Ringering Room on April 25. Gail Graham,  Park Forest Library Board trustee, is to  be praised for coordinating the event and selecting the thoughtful garden gifts gaily wrapped and given to volunteers in appreciation for the work they do. Penny Shnay and Marcella Lucas, on behalf of the board and the staff, expressed their appreciation with heartfelt thanks.

FROM THE DESK OF MARCELLA LUCAS. . .

     How does one say farewell and thank you to the members of the most wonderful Friends of the Library group in existence?  This summer I will regretfully retire after over 22  enjoyable years at the Park Forest Public Library. One of my first assignments was working with the Friends’ Book Sales. I have only missed 2 or 3 book sales in those 22 years. What fun times! What great memories! What wonderful volunteers I have been fortunate to meet! What hard work! Only Helene Cox is ageless – I can no longer lift 30 pound boxes – but she can.
     Over the years I have seen the Friends in action. Not only does the group coordinate the book sales, but they also provide assistance at our Adult and Youth Services programs both monetarily and in person. The various fundraising activities enable the Friends to purchase equipment, furnishings and supplies for the library. Indeed, all I need to do is ask, and I will receive.
     Your group’s accomplishments are many, but most important has been your support and friendship. Thanks to Frank Baecher, President of the Friends and his board members, Jennifer Spinozzi, Melinda Geist and Mitchell Cox for their many hours of volunteer  time,  effort and creativity in providing funding for the library. The book sale co-chairs, Helene Cox and Dean Oedzes are fantastic. The administrator no longer need worry about the mounds of donations. These two organizers and their crew work seamlessly behind the scenes for the continuing benefit of the library.
     I could fill a whole newsletter with the names of each of the Friends who have supported me and the library over these years and still not have enough space nor remember all the names. To each and every one of you – Thank You for making my years at the Library a wonderful, satisfying and happy experience.
     Apologies to Elaine Brownlee, Editor of the Footnotes, for another late article, but it is just too difficult  to write a thank you and goodbye to all my FRIENDS OF THE PARK FOREST PUBLIC LIBRARY. I will miss each and every one of you – for you have truly become my friends.

                      -- Marcella Lucas, Administrative Librarian

A MESSAGE FROM THE LIBRARY BOARD. . .

     It has been said that one of the most important tasks a library board has is to hire the right administrative librarian. The impending retirement this summer of Marcella Lucas (after 22 years of stellar service), puts the board in the position of searching for the right person for that job. This task is faced with regret as we surely will miss Marcella at the helm, and since she is only the fifth head librarian in the history of the library, we are not exactly experienced in that process. However, we also have engaged the services of a consultant who is experienced to help us in the search, but we also will be looking to the Friends for input.
     The timeline for having a new administrative librarian in place has not been finalized, so watch for news about the search, and also celebrations honoring Marcella’s services.
                                                              -- The Trustees of the Park Forest Public Library Board

SWING INTO SPRING BOOK SALE -- Update
     Although the weather was wintry, hundreds of book lovers were happily browsing and buying books at the Spring book sale. It was a good chance to restock book shelves, meet friends, chat, and…contribute to the library’s budget needs. Over $2800.00 was raised.
      The volunteers who sort, shelve, and price the books and recorded materials, do a fine job, making browsing easier and more fun. The “floaters” who answer questions, help find books and direct buyers are invaluable, and the cashiers and muscular student helpers all contribute to a successful sale.
     It was a grand weekend for the Park Forest Public Library, for the volunteers, and for the buyers. Donations of books, magazines, puzzles, and recorded materials are welcome all year, just never on Sunday.
                                                                 -- Helene Cox, Book Sale Chair
 

FRIENDS' BOARD MEMBERS

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: Marcella Lucas
PFPL Bd. Liaison: Alice Racher
OFPL Bd. Liaison: Corine Hawthorne, Joan Braden

footnotes
Editor: Elaine Brownlee
Contributing Editors: Joan Larsen, Alice Racher, Frank Baecher, Helene Cox
Proofreader: Leslie Simms
Friends’ Webmaster: Elaine Brownlee

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