Introduction to the Friends
Read the Friends of the Jones Library System Blog for recent news of the Friends and their activities!
Who Are the Friends?
The Friends are a non-profit organization run by a group of volunteers and supporters. We help raise money for special programs and items that are not covered by the Library's annual budget.
How Can You Help?
By joining the Friends of the Jones Library System! Joining with others who value our wonderful town libraries and who want to see them continue to serve our community is the best possible way to help the Jones Library weather this financial storm. Your membership contributions go directly to fund its programs and resources. It's money well spent!
Take a look at what we've done during the past year:
Programs for the Public
Poetry Workshop - $300
Part of the Celebrating Emily Dickinson's Words poetry event in April 2010, this program will give young people the opportunity to work with a poet and craft poems in the style of Emily Dickinson. The Friends are underwriting this workshop in particular. Other workshops and programs will be held at the library on this day as well.
jubilat poetry series - $1,750
The jubilat/Jones Reading series brings some of the most exciting established and emerging voices in poetry to read in the Pioneer Valley. Poets engage audiences with their latest poems in Sunday readings, thanks to funding from the Friends of the Jones Library System, the Juniper Initiative of the UMass MFA Program for Poets & Writers, and the Amherst Cultural Council. There are a total of six programs each year: three in the fall and three in the spring.
Museum Passes - $1,650
The Friends provide discount passes to nine New England museums and attractions for Jones Library patrons: Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Historic Deerfield, Holyoke Children's Museum, MassMoCA, Eric Carle Musuem, Springfield Museums at the Quadrangle, Forest Park Zoo, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and Wadsworth Athenaeum in Hartford, CT.
Events for the Community Read - $1,000
The four communities of Amherst, Leverett, Shutesbury, and Pelham came together to read one book, Three Cups of Tea. Many programs were held in all four towns, including lectures on building schools in Afghanistan, the Pakistani culture, and experiences of Peace Corps volunteers in Afghanistan. A number of different book discussion groups were held, inlcuding one led by Town Manager Larry Shaffer.
Robert Frost Celebration - $1,000
On October 24, 2009, the Jones Library was dedicated as a Robert Frost Literary Landmark. This designation was awarded by the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, whose mission includes establishing locations of historical literary significance around the country as Literary Landmarks.
Mystery Desserts - $400
In September of 2010, this event will bring together a panel of mystery writers, who will discuss the writing process and
the characters they create. Desserts will be enjoyed by all.
Painting Workshop - $235
Last spring, the Friends sponsored a painting workshop for adults. Entitled How to Pastel Paint As Impressionists: Monet's Magic Garden - A Pastel Workshop, the class was led by award-winning pastel painter Gregory Maichack. All materials were included, and the participants greatly enjoyed this learning opportunity.
Programs for Children
Children's Music Series - $1,500
In February each year, the Jones Library holds a childrens' music series. For five Saturdays, various artists from around the Pioneer Valley come to perform their music to well-packed rooms. This highly popular program is in its 33rd year. Admission is free due to the generosity of the Friends of the Jones Library System and the Amherst Cultural Council.
Every Child a Reader - $700
Every second grader in the Amherst Public Schools comes to visit the library, where they will hear a story, have a snack, receive a library card (if they don't already have one), get a tour of the library, and check out a book.
Summer Reading Program at all 3 Branches - $2,400
With a new theme every summer, this is a popular children's event at the Jones Library and both branches. Funding from the Friends provides supplies and prizes for the participating children, as well as associated special programming.
Sing With Your Baby - $2,800
A music and movement class for parents or caregivers and their infants or preschoolers, this popular series provides a
time to learn songs and musical games while enjoying time together.
Massachusetts Children's Book Award - $250
The Massachusetts Children's Book Award program was started to encourage children in the intermediate grades to keep reading.
A list of books is created each year for children to read and vote for their favorites. These funds will enable the North Amherst
Branch to purchase copies of the books that have been nominated for the annual Massachusetts Children's Book Award.
Crocker Farm Reading Program - $1,500
As part of "One Book, One School" Program, the Friends bought every family at Crocker Farm Elementary School a copy of E.B. White's Trumpet of the Swan offering it in either Spanish or English. Craft programs that tied into the theme of the book were also offered to children at the Munson Memorial Library.
Beastly Abodes & Caches for Backyard Wildlife - $200
Children learned about various animals that live in western Massachusetts. Talks were given on the habitat and conservation of the coyotes and turkeys in our area. In two workshops, children were able to build a bird's nest, and a garden tea cup feeder (which could be used later as a Mother's Day present).
Suport for Library Building and Budget
Budget Deficit - $16,000
Books on CD - $3,000
This year, the library's budget for new books and audio books was drastically cut. Money was donated to the library so that new items can be purchased.
Shelving unit - $1,630
A despeartely needed shelving unit was purchased to hold the ever-expanding DVD collection.
Entrance Beautification - $750
In an effort to improve the appearance of the public entrances to the library and to facilitate tasks for staff, the Friends are providing funding for new trash receptacles, as well as some other items.
Hand Sanitizers - $140
To help stop the spread of the seasonal flu and H1N1, hand sanitizers were purchased for use by both the staff and the public.
Fundraising Events
Valentine Basket Auction - $4,500
Every year, the Friends sponsor the Baskets, Books & Chocolate silent auction. Held in early February, the library courtyard is filled with an incredible variety of themed baskets, containing books, chocolate, and other items. This is a great opportunity to get a special and unique Valentine's gift while supporting your public library. The auction is one of the Friends' most popular events.
Beds for Books Program - $7,300
This is a special community service run by the Friends. Volunteers open their homes for overnight stays and provide
breakfast to the families of students at the Five Colleges during family weekend in October and commencement in May. This
amount reflects what was raised in May of 2010 alone!
All of the money collected goes to the book fund, and enables the library to purchase additional materials.