Library Much Better with a Lot of Help from Its Friends

Library Director Robert Simon believes The Friends of the Canton Public Library provide a vital service to the town.

“If the friends ceased to exist this would be a very different institution – and not in a positive way,” he said.

The organization supports the library in many ways. It buys books and entertainment items, including Wii games, DVDs, multiple copies of titles by Nutmeg Book Award nominees and teen books. It provides access to databases, such as ancestry.com, and sponsors programs, including summer concerts, special story times and museum passes.

From July 2009 to June 2010, the group supported the library to the tune of $21,949.

To continue its support, the friends group, which started in 1964 and was incorporated as a non-profit in 1979, has recently reached out to residents for financial and logistical help, sending out approximately 5,000 appeal letters to residents.

Through the letters, the friends group actively sought  support and asked residents to considering joining the group at some financial level and, if time allows, to become active members.

For Carol B. Shimelman, membership committee chair, the library is a great institution to support.

“I think the library is a very important and valuable asset to the town,” Shimelman said.

And the group is able to augment services not provided in the town’s budget. Shimelman believes that libraries are now much more than places to check out books and magazines but have become important to the social fabric of town life. 

“Libraries have evolved,” Shimelman said. “Now it’s a real community center.”

Tracy Zaccara Renaud recently joined the organization after children’s librarian Heather Baker appealed to mothers with young children.

“I go to many of their free programs and I felt it would be nice to give back,” she said.

Renaud said it’s also great to be able to offer input on some of the initiatives, such as programs and the museum and culture passes.

She would like to see more mothers of teenagers get involved. The library was unsuccessful in getting a teen librarian added to the 2011-12 budget but it’s still a growing area for the facility. The teen section of the library has been expanded and materials have been added with support from the Friends. 

But whatever the time and level of commitment, the Friends hope residents continue the initial wave of support.

“Many citizens may feel their tax dollars fully fund the library and all that it offers,” Shimelman said. "Many are not aware that without the funding the Friends provide for these extra enrichment programs, the offerings at the library would be a far less richer experience for all to enjoy."

Membership levels start at $10 and residents can pick up a form at the library or on its website. Donations can be sent to FCPL, Inc., 
PO Box 136
, Canton, CT  06019.

For more information about the friends, visit its web page. 

The Friends meet the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the library’s program room. Those who have questions or are interested in helping can also leave a message for the Friends at 860-693-5800.