ALL ABOUT “THE FRIENDS” OF THE ORANGE PARK LIBRARY
PURPOSE: The Friends of OPL (The Friends) is a non profit (501c-3) corporation organized to encourage improvement of the facilities, services and resources of the Orange Park library as well as, when feasible, to promote and sponsor literary, interpretive and cultural programs for the enjoyment and educational value for the Orange Park communit
y. HISTORY: The original Friends of Orange Park Library was established in the 60’s. This founding group was instrumental in creating a building fund for the Plainfield site library. In 1990 the Friends became known as Music Under the Stars/The Friends of Orange Park Library. In the intervening years The Friends organization became smaller and older and less visible and viable. The library staff was in need of support from The Friends and they in turn asked some of their volunteers to consider reviving the group as the then present board wished to retire and no one wished to assume leadership roles. Thus in January of 2010, Marion Hilliard and Monique Hampton assumed the reins of The Friends of Orange Park Library with the consent and approval of the previous board members. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Friends have made major purchases for the Orange Park library since 2010 to include signage for the book shelves, DVD display cases, furniture for the teen area, information display racks, plants for library beautification, movie video license, subscriptions to major newspapers, numerous periodicals and other reading materials. The Friends actively fund in conjunction with Clay County the Children’s library reading programs to include story time, summer reading, crafts and guest appearances. The Friends established The Nick Nichols Corner Book Store in 2011 which provides the community a source of reasonably priced reading materials. hosted and sponsored in conjunction with the library staff a number of parties for children, community, The Friends membership and retiring library personnel. The Friends established a page. MEMBERSHIP: All individuals, families, businesses and organizations are invited to join The Friends. Membership entitles the member to early preview of all book sales, opportunities to volunteer to improve the library and to meet new friends. Membership is $10 per person and includes a lifetime membership. VOLUNTEER: One can volunteer for as little or as much as they wish. Here are a few samples of what there is to do: repair books, sort donated materials, restock the book store, help the library staff as directed, write newsletters and print ads, assist at book sales and special events. OFFICERS: Jill Pellegrin, President
Barbara Bujak, Vice President
Iris Guy, Interim Treasurer
Monique Hampton, Secretary
