The Friends of the Library

People turn to the library for access to information, technology, programs, exhibits, lectures, and much more; and in times like these, more than ever, they turn to us.

As the economy gets worse, business is better than ever at CRRL—up 10 percent over last year. It's clear that people are spending less, reading more. More people are discovering libraries. People are borrowing books, thumbing through the library's magazines, using computers, attending library programs, movies, and exhibits.

Savvy library users are saving gas, too, placing holds online and only heading to the library when they've been notified that the items are ready for pickup. Requests for reserves are up so much this year–13.5 percent–that we're had to add shelves to hold the reserves.

So, if hard times are bringing more people through the doors of our libraries, that's a good thing! Let them read books! Books help us rise up to who we can be. Books convey meaning, help us understand the world. Books offer shared experience, books are connectors. Books are transformational and escapist in the best sense of the word. Long ago, Emily Dickinson sweetly put her finger on what librarians profess:

There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away,
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry.

It's well and good that libraries are no longer just book repositories; we are, indeed, providers of access to information and technology and a community destination for cultural programming. But promoting awareness and access to books is arguably the highest value libraries bring to our communities.

Friends can be effective advocates for their libraries. Please urge our local and state government representatives to find a way within the confines of very tight budgets to sustain support of their community libraries that serve all Virginians during difficult times.

Donna Cote, Director

England Run Branch
Stafford Friends are looking forward to a stunning new library. Construction of a 30,000 square foot facility on Plantation Drive off Warrenton Road began is well underway, and the branch is scheduled to open in the fall of 2010. Visit the England Run Branch page for more information about the branch, and to see recent contruction pictures. England Run Branch will combine the traditional elements of library service—large book collections and reference services—with the new trends in public libraries, emphasizing customer service, displays, new media formats, and comfortable browsing and seating areas.

Thanks, Friends
The support of the Friends of the Library makes the difference between a good library and a great library. Most of the wonderful public programs, unique events, furnishings, gardens, and special collections are made possible by the generosity of library supporters. A gift to the library is a gift to the entire community.