COBLESKILL — Did you know that February is “National Love Your Library Month?” Also known as “National Library Lovers' Month,” it’s a time to show appreciation for libraries and all they offer to the community.
The Friends of The Community Library on Union Street in Cobleskill have set up a used book sale in the library’s foyer where patrons can find some good reads to help get through the rest of the winter. Adventuresome readers may be daring enough to try one of the “blind date” books. More used books are available for a small free-will donation in the library’s downstairs room. The Friends appreciate that the community supports its used-book fundraisers through purchases of used books as well as through donations of used books.
Fundraisers during 2024 allowed The Friends of The Community Library to present $3,000 to the library in the Spring and another $3,000 in the Fall. These funds were raised primarily through used book sales ($1,900), through The Friends’ September basket raffle ($3,623), and through The Friends’ membership dues. The Friends’ funding gifts to the library were used in part to pay for T-shirts, prizes, and pizza for students who took part in the 2024 “Battle of the Books”, a springtime reading event held at the William H Golding and Joseph B Radez middle schools of the Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District. The Friends’ gifts also supported the library’s “museum pass” program and paid for the candy distributed to the library’s visitors during Halloween.
The 2025 “Battle of the Books” will take place at the Radez Middle School on Saturday, March 29th, and at the Golding Middle School on Wednesday, April 9th. Volunteers will be needed to read questions, keep time, and keep score. It’s easy and fun! To volunteer, contact the youth librarian Courtney Little at clittle@mvls.info or call (518) 234-7897 for more details.
The Cobleskill Free Library, as The Community Library was originally known, opened its doors to the public on January 11, 1921. In 1972 local residents organized The Friends of The Community Library as a tax-exempt public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to (1) create public support and awareness for the library and its programs, (2) raise money for campaigns or for gifts for items not in the library budget, (3) work for library legislation or increased appropriations, (4) sponsor and support library programs and events, (5) volunteer to work in the library or on specific tasks and projects, (6) and encourage gifts, memorials, and bequests to the library of funds and books, magazines, and desirable collections.
The annual $10 dues paid to become a member of The Friends of The Community Library opens the door to service among like-minded people who value learning. Many of these members actively volunteer time to assist the group with its fundraising and service efforts. The Friends’ membership drive for 2025 is currently in full swing. This year The Friends are offering 10 free raffle tickets for the September basket raffle to anyone who “ups” their membership donation to $25 or more. In addition, a $10 Stewart’s Shops gift card will be presented to the lucky 25th and 50th membership registrants in 2025. Membership applications can be obtained in person at the library or can be printed from the membership link found at https://www.communitylibrarycobleskill.org/friends/ .
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