Friends of the North Grenville Public Library honour supporters

Posted Dec 1, 2011 By Ashley Kulp

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EMC News - As the Friends of the North Grenville Public Library (NGPL) celebrated its 10th anniversary Nov. 27, they also paid tribute to supporters they call their 'Stars of the Library.'

The new central library's program room was the setting for the wine and cheese gala, catered by Catered Affairs, as about a hundred Friends and guests were in attendance for the special event.

"It's amazing how the community came together for this amazing project," Friends of the NGPL chair Pat Babin remarked on the library project. "And it's nice to be here tonight in this building."

Babin, who has been chair of the Friends since its inception 10 years ago, noted it was "hard to believe it's been 10 years" and credited members and volunteers in the community for keeping the non-profit organization going for a decade.

During the NGPL's 'Room to Read' campaign to secure the new building, Babin said Friends members Roberta Russell, Bill McElrea, Jean Kilfoyle and Fran Thompson were involved every step of the way and applauded them for their efforts.

Another reason why it was symbolic for the celebration to take place in the new library was because the Friends' first honourary life member Helen Groskopf, longtime librarian in Kemptville who has since passed away, had a room in the library, the quiet study area, named for her.

"...We thank the library board and the 'Room to Read' committee for dedicating the room here in the library in honour of Helen Groskopf. We're very thankful," Babin stated.

Then it was time for the awards portion of the evening. Honourees were being recognized, Babin said, because they had "served the library above and beyond what might be expected."

Children's librarian Sue Bergeron presented a Star of the Library award to local musician George Buys, who as a member of the ER Quartet, has lent his talents to the Friends' Children's Holiday Concert for the last seven years.

"He also provides the sound for the concerts and is the program chair of the Literary Follies, as well as being involved in the North Grenville Book Fair," Bergeron commented.

Fellow ER Quartet members Brenda and Chris Reinkeluers and Dr. John Evans will receive their awards during this year's annual Children's Holiday Concert set for Dec. 27 at 10 a.m. at the North Grenville Municipal Centre.

While the library was moving three of their four branches into the central building earlier this year, Mike and Susie McIntosh of Total Move Management were there to help make the move a whole lot easier. For the donation of their time and services, the business owners were named Stars of the Library.

"These recipients came to the rescue, like the Lone Ranger and really saved the day for Sue (Higgins, NGPL CEO) and her staff," Babin remarked.

Higgins presented the award to the pair and said their involvement in helping library staff pack, move and unpack thousands of books was very appreciated.

"One of the most stressful activities is moving. What to keep, toss and of course unpacking everything," Higgins said. "Susie and Mike provided over 1,000 cartons and hours of assistance packing the books and their crew would come in and unload trucks."

"Susie helped the staff pack the books...and together as a team, they packed and loaded everything," she continued. "Moving is stressful but Susie was laughing and smiling the whole way."

The McIntoshs were also recognized for providing free storage space to the Friends to house the 140 boxes of books leftover from this year's North Grenville Book Fair until next year's book sale.

"A lot of what Total Move Management does is help people in need, whether it's fire or water damage, they help the community," Higgins said, noting the Kemptville Youth Centre and North Grenville Archives have also benefited from the company's help.

The final award of the evening was presented by Roberta Russell of the Friends to Kemptville EMC reporter Ashley Kulp for her coverage and support throughout the entire 'Room to Read' campaign.

LIFE MEMBERSHIPS HANDED OUT

The formal portion of the evening wrapped up with Babin handing out life membership cards to new life members Rose and Jim Dolan and Fran and Doug Thompson. The Friends of the NGPL now have 39 life members and approximately 125 regular members.

"Your membership the organization is one of our lifelines and it's very important that we continue to increase our membership," Babin explained. "Not only that, but 25 per cent of our members have not renewed yet from last year."

The Friends will undertake a membership campaign in January when a newsletter will be sent out to the community including a membership form which people can return by mail.

"We're also always anxious to increase our life membership. Once you're a life member we don't bother you for the rest of your existence," Babin remarked, adding that as a registered charity, the Friends offer tax receipts.

For more information on the Friends of the North Grenville Public Library and what they do, visit www.ngpl.ca/friends.

akulp@perfprint.ca




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