07/25/2025
As everyone knows the King William County Board of Supervisors voted to leave the Pamunkey Regional Library System. The Friends of the Library is a non-profit organization that was founded with the intent of supporting the local library through membership, patronage, and financial support for programs. When I think about what the library means to me and to the community, it is so much more than just a building full of books. It is a hub full of individuals who strive to make our community better. No, it's not a building of books, it's a community.
The bylaws of the FOL are very clear in emphasizing that this group is an organization founded by and for the West Point Community in support of PRL. The bylaws state that, upon the dissolve of the organization, any monies are to be donated to a community organization that is geared towards education and literacy.
The board members had an emergency meeting and unanimously voted on dispersing the funds in the FOL account. We paid close attention to avoid any bias, and ultimately decided to support the organizations who supported us for so long.
This decision was shared at our final meeting for the Friends of the Library for the West Point Branch of the Pamunkey Regional Library. Now that every recipient has been notified, we are able to share with you.
Our non-profit will not be moving forward to support a for-profit company.
The FOL would like to give $2,000 to the West Point Volunteer Fire Department. Not only did they keep us in ice for so many events, they sacrifice their lives for our community, and still give so much to our kids.
The FOL would like to give $2,000 to Arts Alive, Inc. They were always so quick to invite us to host a table during their performance intermissions, they have an amazing summer program, provide scholarships, and we value their mission.
The FOL would like to give $2,000 to The Monday Club. The Monday Club is who brought the first library to Weat Point 102 years ago. They have been so generous and supportive of our library and staff.
Finally, the FOL would like to give $2,000 to the Historical Society of West Point. From historic walks through the town to educating the Girl Scouts and Scouts of America troops, the Historical Society is a true gem.
These organizations are pillars to our community and I strongly encourage you to visit and support where you can.
We would like to thank the amazing staff. The staff that has been there to help our children pick their adventures, the staff that has supported our teens in their imagination and education, the staff that has supported our parents and grandparents with informational programs geared specifically to them, the staff that has supported our evolving community for decades.
Harry Truman once said, "Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear."
We fought a good fight, but money can buy anything, including votes. It has been an honor serving you all.
PS...Always read the banned books.
