In these challenging economic times, the Friends of the Library is vital to the continuing success of the Estes Valley Library. Friends’ membership dues and volunteer hours help purchase books, buy computer equipment, co-sponsor lectures, and support summer children’s programs. For 2010, the Friends have dedicated $44,000 for staff development, including office space reorganization, remodeling and furniture and staff training. In 2009, a $38,000 Friends grant helped fund the Estes Valley Library’s digitization of its Local History Archive.

The all-volunteer Friends of the Library raises the majority of its money from two annual used book sales, one in the summer and one right before Christmas. Last year the summer sale earned $26,200 while the holiday sale pulled in more than $5,235, a new record. Library patrons can also purchase used books and other items every day on the Friends sale shelves located on the library’s first floor across from the circulation desk.

The library honored Book Sale Chairperson Larry Edwards as the 2009 Library Volunteer of the Year.

A high point of the year is the Friends Annual Potluck and Membership Meeting every October. Last year, author and mountain climber Lisa Foster showed slides of her adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park. She is the author of “Rocky Mountain National Park: The Complete Hiking Guide.” This year’s potluck is scheduled for Tuesday, October 26 at the YMCA’s Walnut Room and will feature local photographer Gary Lister, who has traveled around the world his wife Barb to take award-winning photographs.

Support the library. Join the Friends of the Library today!