There are friends … and then there are Friends!
Nevins Memorial Library is supported by a small-but-active grassroots group of its besties! The Friends of the Nevins Library is a nonprofit that supports programs and projects like museum passes, summer reading programs for all ages and even the beautiful outdoor gardens taking shape on library grounds.
Last month, a pair of truly dedicated longtime Friends board members relinquished their seats … though they certainly will remain active and supportive with this tightknit group. Peg Doyle devoted a decade-plus as the group’s secretary after many years as a member; outgoing 4-year Vice President Elaine Ferris has been involved with the library “forever,” noting she’s carrying on her mom’s legacy as a longtime Nevins volunteer.
Last month, Friends President Lois Jacobs, her board and Friends members recognized the outgoing duo’s dedication with cake and congratulations. Jacobs acknowledged that each pair of hands makes a big impact when it comes to volunteering. She appreciates all that Doyle and Ferris have given to their group. And she’d love more people to join the Friends and pitch in.
“Everyone is welcome,” she said. “We’re inclusive, not exclusive.”
Their fund-raisers – like the book sales, Barnes & Noble book fairs, Dining Out Nights at local restaurants and Chill Out days where they sell $5 ice cream sundaes – directly benefit the library.
“Can you throw jimmies on a sundae? Then come on over!” Jacobs laughs. “We have a good number of members, but we’d like to add some new people. … We all just love our library.”
It’s easy to become a Friends member! Just fill out a membership form at Nevinslibrary.org and return it with payment ($20 for Basic, $30 for Family or $50 for Sponsor). You can sign up to volunteer … or not. Friends members get free admission to Preview Night at the oh-so-popular spring and fall book sales.
The Friends meet the first Monday of the month (except January and July). And who among us can say we don’t need more friends?
Info: (978) 686-4080.
Celebrating Nevins Library’s extra-special Friends are (from left) incoming Secretary Rebecca Pontius, outgoing Secretary Peg Doyle, outgoing Vice President Elaine Ferris, President Lois Jacobs, Treasurer Phyllis Lungo and Library Representative Bev Winn. Missing from photo are incoming Vice President Victoria DeBrocke and Trustee Ralph Prolman. ML photo by Melissa Fili
