“I cannot live without books,” wrote Thomas Jefferson. The same is true for me.  Growing up, books were constant companions, sharing my life, molding and shaping my world, expanding my horizons…Hopefully, it’s true for you too.  For it is this love for books and recognition of the nuclear role of libraries in educating our children that is the driving force behind the Friends of the Library, until recently one of the best kept secrets in Collier County. 

Founded over 50 years ago, this non-profit Friends group is one of Collier County’s most important cultural institutions, providing vital financial support for educational, recreational and technological enhancements at all our local libraries. http://collier-friends.org/cms/?page_id=200

In the past 10 years alone, the Friends have contributed over $1.5 million to satisfy ever-increasing library needs. They’ve funded capital construction, supplied scholarships for staff continuing education and contributed toward the purchase of all sorts of library supplies, everything from children’s furniture to copy machines and books.

The Friends also operate Naples Regional Library’s West Wing Art Gallery, which provides area artists a venue to exhibit their work.  They host the annual “Nick Linn Lecture Series,” which brings prominent authors to Southwest Florida. Next year’s list includes James Grippando, Nicholas Sparks, and Carolyn Hart.

The Friends also sponsor a wide array of programs for library-users of all ages. This includes children’s programs, educational lectures, musical programs and even a film series, all of which are FREE.

Even though you may not now be a regular library user, I’ve no doubt that libraries have impacted your life for the positive at some point. Show your support of libraries by becoming a Friends member.

You’ll also experience the unique benefits of a Friends membership, including free admittance to exclusive Friends “members-only” events, special previews for library books sales, the Friends of the Library newsletter and e-newsletter updates, and special discounts for other Friends-sponsored programs and events. Artists will also receive free exhibit space at the West Wing Art Gallery.

The work of the Friends is ongoing and important, and it is my hope that you will join us as we strive to “keep the story alive.” Several levels of membership are available, including a $25 Individual Membership, a $35 Family Membership, a $50 Patron Membership and only $500 for a business to sponsor the Friends. All membership contributions and other gifts are tax-deductible. The Friends of the Library of Collier County, a 501 c 3 non-profit corporation devoted to helping all library branches serve the local residents.

I write the monthly newsletter for the friends, distributed to more than 3,000 readers and will look forward to sharing news of the generosity of contributors from the N.A.P.L.E.S. group in an upcoming issue. 

For more information, visit http://collier-friends.org/cms/?page_id=200 or call (239) 262-8135.