Working behind the scenes at many public libraries are organizations most people aren’t familiar with, the local Friends of the Library.

 

Clearwater Public Library is fortunate to have one of these organizations supporting them. Begun around the same time the branch opened in 2001, Clearwater Friends of the Library has been invaluable in helping the library, both financially and through assistance from its volunteers. 

 

Friends of the Library (Friends) groups are nonprofit organizations that support community libraries. Although each group is different, their goals are the same; to raise funds, assist with services and increase awareness.

 

The Clearwater Friends began as an informal organization after a group of local residents worked together to bring a public library to Clearwater in 2000. Approaching Great River Regional Library, they were told they would need to raise $10,000 in order for a branch to be opened in the area.

 

The group took on the challenge, going to local townships and the cities of Clearwater and Clear Lake to ask for donations. They succeeded, and the Clearwater Library opened its doors in 2001.

 

The group became an official Friends of the Library organization in 2011 after applying for non-profit status. The Clearwater Lions came forward financially to help make it happen. 

 

In the five years since, the Friends have supported the library in numerous ways.

 

“The Friends provide input financially and through volunteerism,” said Clearwater Librarian Cyrene Bastian. “They’re a sounding board for me to bounce ideas on how the library should look and what types of programs to offer, and help in creating those programs.”

 

Providing items the library needs is a big part of their mission. All the bookshelves in the Clearwater library came from funds they raised, as did the TV/DVD player, CD rack, tables, chairs and even the vacuum cleaner. They also help pay for things such as prizes for the recent summer reading program.

 

“Basically everything you see here other than the library materials and computers has been provided by the Friends for the community,” said Bastian.

 

To accomplish this mission, the group does a lot of fundraising, from writing grants and applying for donations from local organizations to running brat sales at McDonald’s Meats and waiting tables at the Clearwater Legion breakfasts. All money raised stays at the Clearwater branch.

 

When the library moved locations in 2012, the Friends not only assisted in the move, they also financed a kitchenette and storage area in the new space. When the library celebrated its 15-year anniversary this past spring the Friends organized and funded the three- week celebration.

 

The Friends also run and maintain Chapter 2 Bookstore, which sells used books year-round. Using donated books they also hold sales throughout the year, including Heritage Days and their annual Fall Book Sale, which this year is being held Oct 18 – 22. 

 

With budgets being cut annually, Friends of the Library groups across the country are vital to public libraries being able to continue serving their communities.

 

Clearwater Friends of the Library meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month. The organization is always looking for new members, and everyone interested in supporting the library is welcome to attend.