This Giving Tuesday, we want to highlight the work that Friends of the Library branches across Fresno County have been doing to help support our libraries! Of course, if you're not already a Friend, we encourage you to join, but we especially encourage you to get involved with your local branch group, if one exists, and to keep an eye out for the special programming they help provide. What have your local Friends been up to?
Kingsburg
The Kingsburg Friends have sponsored a number of crafts for kids and adults, including book folding art and vases, Summer At Your Library presentations by fan-favorite, Reptile Ron, and even a 1920s-themed murder mystery evening!
Reedley
The Reedley Friends have provided refreshments for performances by the Reedley High School Madrigal Singers, River City Theater Company, and Sierra Music, as well as a demonstration from Summit Physical Therapy. They also sponsor programs like jewelry classes, crochet classes, adult coloring, Paint Night, additional Summer At Your Library programming, and Makers Club and have purchased a Nintendo Switch and games for teens.
Sunnyside
The Sunnyside Friends recently purchased a new 65" TV for their branch's meeting room. They currently sponsor yoga classes twice a week and have also provided a new recliner for the employee break room, video game controllers and games, a table and chairs for the children's area, and even a kitchen set for kids to play with.
Betty Rodriguez
The Betty Rodriguez Friends also sponsor yoga-- both chair and mat. They're one of the few branches to participate in ArtHop and also host family movie nights. They also sponsor events such as live music, Make Music Day, and breast cancer education.
Bear Mountain
The Bear Mountain Friends decorate their branch's Christmas tree each year and also spruce up the branch mascot, Bookie, for the season. They have recently provided a new posting easel to showcase upcoming events, as well as a new TV for the lobby, and for their children's area, they've purchased an easel, a puppet theater, and cushions for kids to sit on. They've also sponsored a road show event featuring renowned appraiser, Kathy Osterberg, during which people were welcome to bring in their family heirlooms and get them appraised.
Gillis
The Gillis Friends have had a hit with Read to a Dog, designed to help kids practice their reading and social skills. Gillis also participates in ArtHop.
Central
The Central Friends are newly re-formed and have been tabling at events like Fresno Pride, Fresno Zine Fest, and Fulton Street Party. They have provided funding for some indoor plants to bring some life into the building, as well as supplies for programs like a seed planting workshop, embroidery classes, and Stay and Play for kids.
Sanger
The Sanger Friends recently helped Library staff to create over 30 new library cards during a resource fair and provided free books to all ages.
Politi
The Politi Friends are currently working on a documentary about their branch namesake, Leo Politi. This is a massive undertaking!
This is just a small sample of what our local Friends groups have been up to, and what you could be helping out with! Your membership dues and donations help fund these things, as do your used book purchases, and we greatly appreciate your help in making the Fresno County Public Library the best it can be!