Friends of the New City Library Reactivated After 15 Years

The New City Library Board of Trustees agreed at their last meeting to establish a temporary bank account for the Friends of the Library, a group which has been reactivated after 15 years of dormancy. 

The Friends of the Library is a nonprofit organization established to support activities at the library. The Friends would not only help fund projects but would volunteer their time to give back to the community. It is described in the brochure as a group which “provides advocacy, increases public awareness and raises money for special library projects.” 

The revivial was spearheaded by Board of Trustees' Secretary Barry Warner. Warner is the most recent addition to the board. He is a New City resident and a former science teacher. 

Members will support the library, coordinate fundraisers, and reach out to the community. It was important to Warner that, among other things, the Friends help reduce the price of the museum and concert passes currently offered by the library. 

“It could cost a family quite a bit of money to go to a museum,” says Warner, suggesting the Intrepid Museum as one location. The Friends could work to make educational and recreational trips like these less expensive for the library’s 24,000 or more card holders. 

Many nearby libraries are backed by a Friends of the Library organization. Recently, on July 7, the Friends of the Nanuet Library presented a live stage performance of the Wizard of Oz at Nanuet High School. Not only did the presentation raise money for the improvement of the local library, but it also provided the community with an amusing, $5, family-friendly event. 

The membership application, available at the New City Library, lists the membership fees as follows:

• Senior/Student: $5
• Individual: $10
• Family: $20
• Special Friend: $50
• Benefactor/Business: $150 

This fee goes toward a separate budget, one that will pay for the group’s social events, possibly a “special concert” or “ice cream days” says Warner. The group will have meetings where the president will brief them on upcoming events.   

"We have a wonderful cardholder base," says Warner. "Hopefully we can get them involved." 

To apply, mail the application and check to PO Box 27, New City, NY 10956 or drop it off at the circulation desk. More information about the group will be presented by Warner at a September meeting.