Literary treasures and good deals are what you’re bound to find at the Friends of the Library book sale coming up in October. Throughout the year, Friends President Belinda Ledbetter and other member volunteers spend two full days each month collecting and sorting books for the sale the Friends group holds twice a year.
“Our goals are to raise money for the library and keep books out there as much as we can,” Ledbetter, 70, said. “It’s a fun challenge,” to see how we can support the library in different ways.
The Friends of the Library pays for special library activities such as the Comic Con event geared toward engaging adolescent readers. The Friends group recently paid for video equipment for the Castle Valley branch library so it can show movies. Additionally, the Friends bought the wooden benches outside the Moab Library – where people often sit even when the library is closed.
For the Grand County Public Library’s 100th anniversary, members bought a cake and served patrons at the library’s birthday party, February 17.
They do “all kinds of amazing work” at promoting public awareness of the library and its services, said Meg Flynn, head of adult services.
“They provide volunteers and financial support beyond what the library can do on its own,” Flynn said. “We’re so glad to have them associated with the library.”
The group often provides matching funds for grant-funded projects like the soon-to-be installed self-checkout stations. The Friends group has additionally raised money to purchase iPads and Kindles that the public can check out.
Before volunteering to preside over the Friends group Ledbetter served two four-year terms on the Grand County Public Library’s board of directors. Former library director Eve Tallman recalls working with Ledbetter.
“She was an integral part of the team, led by board chair Russ Von Koch, that envisioned the new library, and worked on the concept, design, and construction of the new building,” Tallman said. “Belinda’s tireless efforts as a volunteer board member, and later as the president of the Friends of the Library, have been much appreciated by the library community.”
The library was selected “Best Small Library in America” in 2007.
Ledbetter said she loves working close with the library staff, who she calls “outstanding.”
“I love books,” Ledbetter said. “Libraries have always been important to me.”
Anyone can join the Friends group, and it is always looking for new members, she said.
This Week: Belinda Ledbetter
