Friends and the Library Advisory Board

Originally published in the Ketchikan Daily News, April 2019; written by Pat Tully

On Wednesday, April 10 at 6pm, the Friends of the Ketchikan Public Library and the Library Advisory Board will hold their annual joint meeting at the Library. The meeting is free and open to the public.

What is the difference between the Library Advisory Board and the Friends of the Library?

The Library Advisory Board is a committee of community members, representing several constituencies—high school students, City residents, Borough residents living outside the City, the Borough Assembly, the City Council and the Friends of the Library. The Board is established by City ordinance (Section 2.40.030), to advise the City Manager, the Council and the Library Director about Library activities and issues and their impact on the community. The Board meets quarterly, in January, April, July and October.

The Friends of the Ketchikan Public Library is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization which supports and advocates for the Library. The Friends sell Library-themed mugs, tote bags and decorations to raise money and advertise Library services. The Friends’ major fundraiser is the three-day October book sale at the Plaza; in recent years they have also held periodic one-day sales as well. Last year the Friends raised over $13,000, using the money to improve Library facilities and enhance programs.

The Friends accept donations of books, DVDs, CDs, and other media items to sell at their book sales. If you have a box of books or media items in good condition that you would like to donate, bring them to Bear Valley Mini-Storage, locker 620. If you have time to volunteer to sort and prepare donated items, the Friends always appreciate help—just call the Library at 907-228-2311 for more information.

Are you interested in joining the Board or the Friends? Library Advisory Board members serve for three-year terms; to learn more about applying for a Board position contact Library Director Pat Tully at 907-228-2311 or patt@firstcitylibraries.org. To become a member of the Friends of the Ketchikan Public Library, pick up a brochure at the Library and fill out the enclosed membership form.

And you are cordially invited to attend the Friends / Advisory Board meeting on Wednesday, April 10 at 6pm at the Library. There will be refreshments, updates on the activities of the Library, the Board, and the Friends, and a talk by City of Ketchikan Vice Mayor Judy Zenge. Meet Board members, Friends and Library staff and learn about what you can do to help support your Ketchikan Public Library!

In other Library news, Head of Children’s Services Amanda Kiely has stepped down to concentrate on raising her son. Amanda has done an amazing job over the past six years and she will be very much missed. We look forward to Amanda and baby’s Storytime visits!