Welcome back to Behind the Stacks, your go-to column for all things West Haven Library. This week, we would like to shine some well-deserved light on our wonderful volunteer organization, The Friends of West Haven Library. The main objective of the Friends is to raise funds to support library programming and other goals that are not included in the West Haven City budget and would otherwise not be possible. They also advocate for the library day to day by spreading the word about all the library has to offer our community, writing to elected officials and attending public hearings regarding the library, and encouraging people to join, donate, or volunteer.
The Friends are a 501(c)(3) volunteer run organization whose efforts have funded: Teen/Children‘s Summer Reading Program; Museum discount passes; Holiday/Cultural events; Presentations/Lectures; Programming for all ages; Animal encounters; Library databases; Programs celebrating inclusivity and diversity and much more.
Their largest fundraisers are their bi-annual Fill-A-Bag book sales held in spring and fall. Volunteers sort books, organize, set up, and run outdoor sales. They even collaborate with residents who maintain Little Free Libraries in town, donating leftover books to stock their shelves.
There is also an ongoing book/DVD sale at the Main Library, as well as a puzzle sale at our Ora Mason branch. All proceeds come right back into the library to fund a multitude of programs, events, and even provide equipment (such as the children’s department’s new kitchen play set). They’ve also raised funds by teaming up with local restaurants like Chipotle and Texas Roadhouse. The Friends are always looking to collaborate with other organizations that share the goal of improving our community.
They’ve worked with groups such as West Haven Public Schools, ArtsWestCT, West Haven Rotary Club, and the Native Plant Initiative. They recently hosted their annual Staff/Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon where staff, volunteers, and board members can enjoy pizza and refreshments as a token of our gratitude for all their hard work and dedication throughout the year.
The Friends of West Haven Library typically meet the first Tuesday of each month at 5:15 p.m. at the Main Library or via Zoom,\ and are always looking for creative fundraising ideas and events. Become a member and join the discussion! From raffle baskets to themed merchandise – all ideas are welcomed. An individual membership is only $15 per year, with discounts for senior and family memberships. Become a lifetime member for a one-time donation of $150.
On April 26, the Friends will be hosting its spring book sale at the Main Library! The Fill-a-Bag book sales have become quite popular in the community and are highly anticipated by patrons from West Haven and surrounding towns. For the best of the selection, stop by from 10am-1pm and buy one (or more) of our bags for $10 each and fill them up with all you can carry! For the last hour, 1pm-2pm, the price of the bags are reduced to $5 each–an affordable way to stock up on summer reading materials.
To learn more about the Friends, visit its website at WHPLfriends.org or email friends@westhavenlibrary.org.