The volunteer group is forming to assist in many areas, which could range from fund-raising to flower gardens.
RUMFORD – The local library now has a Friends group.
Similar to an increasing number of local libraries, the Friends of Rumford Library has been organized to support the growing number of activities and events offered through what was once a place to get only books.
“We want to raise the visibility of the library,” said the group’s first chairman, Joseph Sirois. “We want the value of the library to be recognized, and we encourage people to use it.”
About 30 people attended an exploratory meeting to gauge interest in such a group earlier this year, said Connie McKenna, a member of the library’s Steering Committee. That committee, along with librarian Karl Aromaa, recommended forming a Friends of Rumford Library.
“We want the Friends to build a partnership between the library and the community, and to advocate for quality services for all people in the greater Rumford area,” she said. “Many libraries have them and they serve several purposes.”
Among the tasks taken on by Friends at other libraries are fund-raising events, such as bake and book sales to supplement the town’s budgeted figure; volunteering; sponsoring speakers and other special programs; delivering books to people who are homebound; helping with mailings; and planting flowers and shrubs.
Sirois said specific plans for the Rumford library Friends group will be discussed at the first annual Friends of Rumford Library meeting on Oct. 18.
“This will be the kickoff meeting to discuss activities,” he said.
At that meeting, Sirois will be officially elected as chairman, along with Vicki Fimiani, a resident of Hanover who also serves on the Gardner Roberts Memorial Library board who will become vice-chairman; Anne Woods, a retired French teacher at Mountain Valley High School will become secretary; and Joe Sassi, a retired librarian from the high school and current part-time librarian at St. Athanasius and St. John School will be the treasurer.
Sirois said subcommittees to tackle various projects may be set up at that time as well.
Membership, at $5 per year, is open to anyone. Membership forms can be picked up at the library or downloaded from the library’s Web site at www.Rumford.lib.me.us
The role of libraries has changed considerably during the past couple of decades, said McKenna.
“The demands are so different now. The Friends is an outgrowth or part of the library’s evolution,” she said.
Comments are no longer available on this story