Friends of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library



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Friends Have Fun!

The wand comes down with a flourish, the horns blare, the crowd sways, Doc Scantlin and his Imperial Palms Orchestra, complete with Miss Chou Chou, are back in town for the night. Smiling faces are lined up against the walls of James Monroe Auditorium, where there is standing room only for straggling fans.

The age range is preschool to ninety, but the music transcends the generations. Everyone loves a good time and Doc is the consum-mate show man, dapper, debonair, and oh, so naughty.

The conga line heralded the grand finale of the Friends of the Library Summer Music on the Steps series. This summer marked the twentieth anniversary of local bands, famous and not so famous, sharing music and company on the steps of the old Headquarters Library on Caroline Street.

Books, music, films, art, ideas-the Friends of the CRRL bring it all together. Across the region area, chapters in Stafford, Fredericks-burg, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland are enriching their communities and helping to develop one of the best public library systems in the country.

Booksales organized by the Friends provide funding for great community programs and new technology. Local friends have also energetically advocated to establish new branch libraries, and to increase local and state funding for library services. In the past decade over a million dollars have been raised to furnish and equip every new library building in the system.

From the President

Thank you to all the Friends who have made it possible to assist the library in their support to the community. From books for babies, to assistance for the schools and teachers, to music, art, and continuing education programs-our library truly serves us throughout our lives. And the Friends, with their generous contributions of time, books, and money, have made the library an even richer experience for many.

This is my first time as president, and, I must admit, I have some terribly big shoes to fill. Since I am following Margaret Smith and Miriam Jones Parsons, I know there is no way I will be able to accomplish what these two wonderful Friends have. But I'll give it my best shot, and I appreciate all the support I have received (especially from Margaret and Miriam!).

We have been conducting a heavy membership drive this year, beginning with "each friend bring a friend" and continuing with a special period at the library when an invitation to join the friends is received with each book checked out.

Good results are coming in! More Friends than ever are signing up, and we continue to grow. And, we are looking for Friends willing to be involved in more than membership. Thanks to all of you who have served in such capacities as book sorters, setup, cashiers, food providers for the spring sale-the list goes on. And thanks to all of you who have newly volunteered to help; we will be calling you! We have another exciting year coming up, with two more new library branches opening. How wonderful it is to help the library in its service to a growing community. I hope to see all of you at the book sales and at the annual meeting.

- Cindy L. Maddux

From the Director

The generosity and support of all of you have once again brought about many positive changes for the Library. In the past year, we have opened two new branches in Westmoreland County, both of which were made possible by the Friends. You were key in furnishing and providing updated equipment to our newest branches, the Blake T. Newton Memorial Branch in Hague and the Abraham and William I. Cooper Memorial Branch in Colonial Beach. We are now able to offer residents of the county networked system computers with high-speed Internet access. Already, there has been an overwhelming response to the Internet classes now offered at Cooper. We expect to have the same reaction when the classes begin at Newton.

Additionally, the Library was named a recipient of a Gates Computer Lab grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This money will allow the library to install a computer learning lab for staff and patron use. As we grow and as technology changes, it is essential we are able to provide the most current training for our employees. And as patrons turn to us for information in various formats, the Gates Lab will ensure our patrons also have access to the most current technology.

Once again, your generosity has helped make the Library one of the top in the nation. You have provided the means to offer many diverse programs to the public. From storytellers to film series, your support has lifted the Library to our current level. With your help, we have become a cultural hub within the community and are proud that you allow us to continue expanding our offerings. This Library is truly your library in every sense!

- Donna Cote

10 Gifts from Your Library

A night at the movies-foreign, classic, art, and animation
A cozy chair and a great mystery-bestsellers, old favorites
A good read on the road- thousands of books on tape
An Italian Concerto on a rainy Sunday-or bluegrass on the steps
A spellbinding story told with a twist-storytellers from around the world
Find out when to hold and when to fold-stock reports
The world at your fingertips on a user friendly PC-an award winning website
Family history and bygone eras-Virginiana Collection
Galleries of art gracing every lobby-special monthly exhibits
Beautiful picture books for babies-the right book for a good start

The Reading Mother

I had a Mother who read to me
Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea,
Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth,
"Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath.

I had a Mother who read me lays
Of ancient and gallant and golden days;
Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,
Which every boy has a right to know.

I had a Mother who read me tales
Of Gêlert the hound of the hills of Wales,
True to his trust till his tragic death,
Faithfulness blent with his final breath.

I had a Mother who read me the things
That wholesome life to the boy heart brings
Stories that stir with an upward touch,
Oh, that each mother of boys were such!

You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be;
I had a Mother who read to me.

Strickland Gillian

Lorraine's Gift
If ever there was a true Friend of the Library, it was Lorraine Sperlazza-first as a staff member and children's librarian, and later as a volunteer book sorter and cashier at the booksales. She had a winning way with both adults and children. A brilliant smile and delightful sense of humor endeared her to all those who crossed her path.

The book sorters valued her knowledge of children's books, and even when she wasn't feeling well, she would come in to lend a hand, even for an hour. Her courage and positive attitude were inspirational. We'll miss you, Lorraine.

-Betty Stephens

Highlights in Giving

Hot Ten List

Donate to the book fund in honor or memory of a loved one.
Have your club donate to the book fund on each member's birthday.
Dedicate funding for a special program or series.
Remember the library in your will.
Donate your income tax return to the library.
Consider joining the Wallace or Tobin Society.
Write a check.
Establish a "life income gift" such as a charitable gift annuity.
Designate the library as a beneficiary in your life insurance policy.
Make a corporate matching gift.

A Sampling of Gifts over the Years

Friends of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library raised over one million dollars to furnish and equip new branch libraries and the Headquarters.
Friends of the Library raised over $100,000 for the new Abraham and William Cooper Memorial Library in Colonial Beach.
Doug Cooper and his family donated $42,000 in memory of Abraham and William I. Cooper.
Newton family donated a perfect site on a busy intersection for the new Blake T. Newton Memorial Branch Library and a portrait of Blake T. Newton.
Family of Mrs. Treadwell Davison asked that memorial donations in her name take the form of donations to the Newton Memorial Library.
Family of Lorraine Sperlazza asked that memorial donations in her name take the form of donations to the CRRL.
The family of Helen L. Goodwin donated a $2,500 memorial fund to the C. Melvin Snow Branch.
Anonymous donor pledged $250,000 for expansion of space and collections.
Cliff Satterthwaite donated an oil painting of his mother and her students to the Headquarters facility of the CRRL.
Rappahannock Music Society donated a piano to Headquarters.
Rappahannock Valley Garden Club landscaped the Headquarters site.
Master Gardeners landscaped Salem Church Branch.
Larry Silver and Edward Minnear donated land for Salem Church Branch, John Musante Porter Branch, and a future Route 17 site.
Captain Wallace bequeathed $17,000 in 1907 to establish the Wallace Library. The Wallace library and collections provided the basis for the establishment of the CRRL in 1969.
The Stafford Quilters Piecemakers Guild donated a display quilt to the Porter Branch.
The Stafford Rotary Club donated a flagpole to the Porter Branch.
Tom Tromley sponsored a storytelling series in memory of his wife Ardiena Ann Tromley.

(This is only a partial list of the many generous gifts the library has received over the years.)

Ways to Give to Your Library

Book Gifts: Books remain the backbone of public library service and monetary donations to the book gift fund are a wonderful way to give. Commemorate a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or other special event with a contribution to this fund. A book fund gift donation can also be a meaningful memorial gift, and each book can have a personalized bookplate. Share a memory and your love of books.
Special Recognition: Individuals and families who donate significant amounts can receive recognition in a variety of ways. The naming of new library buildings, collection areas, and plaques are all ways gifts have been recognized. The library is always open to new ideas for public service and support.
Tax-Deductible Gifts: All gifts to the library are tax deductible and acknowledged by an official library receipt.
The Wallace Society: Join the Friends of the Library Wallace Society with an annual membership donation of $50 or more.
The Tobin Society: Join the Friends of the Library Tobin Society with an annual membership donation of $25-50.

Your Living Legacy
Planned giving ensures that your generosity will be enjoyed by countless generations to come. There are several methods of planned giving including making a bequest in your will, setting up a charitable remainder trust, or through life insurance. Your attorney or tax advisor can assist you in determining the best method of donating for you. You can even set up your gift in memory of a loved one or for allocation to a particular department. You decide how your legacy will continue.

The Friends of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library recognizes the leadership of our planned giving donors. Through their beneficence and foresight, our planned giving donors provide numerous opportunities for future generations of Central Rappahannock Regional Library patrons to enjoy programs and services. Please consider making a planned gift to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. Future patrons will thank you.

Chapter Reports

Spotsylvania Chapter | Stafford Chapter | Westmoreland Chapter | Fredericksburg Chapter

Spotsylvania Chapter
Rising donations expanding collections lead to creative use of space in Spotsylvania branches. At the Salem Church branch the book donations come in so quickly (and storage space is so limited!) that we have had successful lobby booksales continuously this year. We appreciate the wonderful donations the patrons bring in; not only books, but videos and books on tapes as well. There are bargains for every shopper and few can resist peeking at the tables on their way in and out. Many thanks to our stoic volunteers, Sam Burgess and Leonard Watson, who work tirelessly lugging in the donations and tidying them up. Spread the word! We will gladly accept any donation of good-quality books, magazines, or audio/visual materials throughout the year.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, many tickets were sold for our 3rd annual Christmas Raffle. You may remember that we raffled off special donations given throughout the year in order to raise money. The children would race through the library trying to decide which books they would like to purchase a chance to win. The lucky winners wasted no time racing in to pick up their prizes. The Salem Church staff extend a warm THANK YOU to the Friends for all of your support.

It certainly did not take long for the Snow branch to expand beyond its current area. Creative minds at work, the branch is utilizing hallway space within the building to enlarge the children's collection. Much of the collection will move into the niche where lockers used to be housed. The space is perfect for book shelves and will allow the staff at Snow to expand the adult collection within the branch.

Although Snow has been opened for nearly 3 years, its patrons are still raving about the branch. Martha Hutzel, Branch Manager, reports that many often come in with praise for such a lovely library in their area. Of course, support from the Friends allows the Library to offer many of the programs the Spotsylvania residents have grown to love.

Stafford Chapter
Fundraising success and membership drives fuel Stafford Friends.

Fundraising was the word of the year for the Stafford Chapter! Profits from the monthly booksales, the Friends of the Library Gift Shop, and the copy machines enabled the Friends to fund a variety of projects. The Friends generously donated $36,000 for the purchase of paperback book shelving and display units, new teacher orientation materials, and new technology. In addition to the cash support, the Friends of the Library Gift Shop also donated merchandise for various programs, including the adult summer reading program.

Fresh from renovation, the Porter branch now has a donated piano gracing the meeting room. The Friends not only paid for the delivery of this beautiful addition, but also the tuning costs. This piano will surely bring much enjoyment to our patrons and program attendees.

Membership is also thriving within the Chapter. Many new names have joined our roster as a result of our membership drive. Our Friends make these libraries as wonderful as they are and we are always looking for new additions. Check out the Friends of the Library Gift Shop to offer more support. You can find us at www.LibraryPoint.org!

Westmoreland Chapter
New libraries are blossoming all over Westmoreland County this year.

June saw the opening of the beautiful new Abraham and William I. Cooper Memorial Branch in Colonial Beach. The Friends raised over $100,000 to furnish and equip the new library through bake sales, raffles, donations, and a generous gift of $42,000 from native son Doug Cooper in memory of his father and grandfather.

The former Cooper family store was creatively renovated into a modern branch library. The building features a great location on Washington Street within walking distance of the town hall center and the boardwalk. The new library offers expanded collections, a separate children's area, a public meeting room, and several computers for public use-all in an appealing art deco setting.

Funds for the project were provided by Westmoreland County, which is also funding projects in Hague and Montross. The Town of Colonial Beach supplied funding to purchase the building and parking areas, and supervised the construction project. However, it was the Friends' efforts that made this library special and rallied the community together to achieve this goal.

Neither snow, nor ice, nor sleet prevented the new Blake T. Newton Memorial Branch from opening it's doors to the public on February 23rd. The handsome new brick building replaced the former Hague Branch in style with a public meeting room, lounge seating, browsing displays, and public use computers.

The Newton Branch was made possible through the combined efforts of many people throughout the community. The ideal site, at the intersection of Coles Point Road and Cople Highway, was donated by the Newton family. Funding for the building and furnishings were provided by the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors and, of course, the Friends of the Library.

Patrons of the Montross Branch are looking forward to the grand opening of the new Montross facility later this year. The red brick colonial building, located across from the George D. English County Administration Building, will be a convenient and welcoming community space. The new library will offer expanded browsing collections and displays, seating, study materials, and many new computers. What a great year for Westmoreland!

Fredericksburg Chapter
Fredericksburg booksales continue to be a hit with the community.

The Fredericksburg Friends includes many residents of south Stafford and Spotsylvania who use the Headquarters as their main branch. Their primary activities, the twice-annual theme booksales, have become quite popular, featuring SciFi/Romance/Mystery treasures in February and textbooks in August. They are also wonderfully supportive of the big April and October sales.

The Fredericksburg Chapter continued its efforts to serve the community through contributions and functions such as a reception at the annual election meeting of the Downtown Retail Merchants, Inc., in September. The Friends are pleased to support this group who, like us, work hard to sustain the economic development and vitality of our historic community.

Featured Staff Member: Lisa Gregory

At the age of 15, Lisa began her first job as a page at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. Although her paging career was to be short-lived, it did not mark the end of her affiliation with the library. An avid patron throughout high school and college, Lisa found herself once again employed by the CRRL when she graduated from Longwood College in December 1996. This time she became a part of the administrative staff and worked as an assistant in the accounting department. In July 1998, when a full-time position as personnel manager opened, Lisa was an obvious choice. Drawing on her experience in administration made the transition an easy one and she quickly became adept at dealing with the CRRL staff on a personal level.

January 2001 saw Lisa's position at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library again change and grow. She was named Employee and Public Relations Coordinator and began expanding her networking to include the local community and the Friends of the Library. While her primary focus continues to be the CRRL staff, Lisa is also excited to be working with other groups. She is particularly looking forward to working more closely with the Friends. "I've grown up in this Library and have seen first hand what the Friends offer us, as staff and as patrons. I'm really looking forward to working with the members in furthering the Library's mission. It's great to be a part of something that is evolving so rapidly and to know the people who have made it possible."