From the Friends: More than just "Nice"

Posted Sep 27, 2018

When you think of the Friends of the Shorewood Public Library, you may think that the Friends are a nice addition to the library and the Shorewood community.

And we are. We are nice, friendly and welcoming. We want you to enjoy Shorewood’s great library!

We work hard to raise support for the library and to encourage people to give of their time and resources.

But we are more than nice. The Friends support the library in ways that make your library what you have come to expect: a library that offers a designated Early Literacy Center, summer reading for children and teens, community programs like the Summer Celebration, Shorewood Reads, speakers, community discussions and more.

In short, the Friends are more than what you might categorize as “nice to have.” The Friends are more than “good to have” or “great to have”. The Friends are important to the library and the community.

Here’s why: Research shows that public libraries that are accessible, active and vibrant, like the one we have in Shorewood, are integral to building community, enhancing literacy, beating the summer learning loss experienced by school-aged children, closing the achievement gap, overcoming isolation of older adults and, of course, helping people find the information they need to write a paper, pay their taxes, vote or find a job. The Friends of the Shorewood Public Library contribute funds and time to support the library in all of these endeavors.

The American Library Association has put together research about the value of libraries to community members and other stakeholders at its Libraries Matter web page. Their studies show impact in three main areas:

Economy: Libraries have a large impact on the local economy and workforce development through the provision of a variety of classes and resources. Read more about the economic impact of libraries.

Community Development: Libraries are open to all and create a common bond to all living in a community. Read more about the libraries' impact on Community Development

Literacy and Education: Libraries are important for early literacy and partnering with all levels of education. Read more about libraries' impact on Literacy and Education

Libraries help people and communities succeed. And the Shorewood Friends help the Shorewood Public Library succeed in this vital work.

Join us in supporting your local library, during National Friends of Libraries week October 21 through 28 and throughout the year! Another way you can join the Friends mission this fall is by reaching out to your Village Trustees to express your support for the Shorewood Public Library as the Village prepares its 2019 budget.

-Submitted by Anne O’Meara Stillwell



Share This: