Featured Articles from the Newsletter

How Friends Began by Katherine A. Murnane

Originally, the Friends of the Plattsburgh Library had been established many years ago, with some of the past Presidents being Joe McGrath and Joe Martina. In the spring of 1987, Pearlie Rabin, most recent past-President, contacted me to see if we could create enough interest in restarting the Friends of the Plattsburgh Library. At the encouragement of Library Director Kathy Cayea, inquiries were made and found to be positive. The first meeting was held in the fall of 1987 with Carolyn Keable, Jann Shambo, Bruni Michaud, Debbie Dahlen, Jane Lanigan, Doris Neverett, Nancy Van Leeuwen, Elaine Bennett, JoAnn Carroll, and Kathy Murnane as charter members.

The By-laws were drawn up which states the group’s purpose to provide fundraising through book sales for the Library to purchase new books and any other needs that fell outside the budgeted funds. Also, the Friends would host an annual luncheon with a featured speaker.

The first executive committee was comprised of Carolyn and Nancy, co-Presidents, Jane, Treasurer, Doris, Secretary, and Jan and Kathy, Publicity Chairs.

A successful “Red Rose Tea Bag” fundraiser was held the first year and book sales were held outside in front of the Library and on the little patch of lawn on Brinkerhoff St. With the monies raised, a new water fountain and a security system for the children’s room were installed, and of course new books were purchased.

The group continued to grow and in 1989 Helen Ianelli became President and the Friends Newsletter began under her expertise. Dotte Buchanan succeeded Helen as President and serves presently.

Friends have raised funds for new books, security systems, a website, furniture, the McNaughton leasing program, and a rug for the Children’s room. The Friends created a cookbook, A Treasured Collection of Plattsburgh Recipes with two printings, created the Hale-Walter Art Gallery, held spring luncheons with noted local speakers, hosted art exhibits and receptions, holds the Pretty Pots silent auction and the Blooms and Blossoms juried art show.

Under excellent leadership, the Friends have continued to grow. We look forward to 2007 when we celebrate two decades of service to the Plattsburgh Public Library. We are grateful for the community support and for the dedicated members who continue to make our group possible.

New members are always welcome, and dues are still only $5.00 per year.

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