History of the Friends of the Webster Public Library

15 years (and more*) of the
Friends of the Webster Public Library

 *In truth, the Friends of the Webster Public Library have formed and reformed several times over the years.  We could actually have been 20 years old in 2003 or even 44!  Minutes dated 11/14/83 state that Alison Rhodes conducted “the second meeting of the group.”  A newspaper article from January 15, 1959, mentions the “newly formed Friends of the Library,” the year the library moved from #32 West Main Street in the Village of Webster to a wing at the Webster Town Hall, 1000 Ridge Road.  A flier from November 1994 talks about the library “forming a Friends group.”  Whatever our age, there have been many civic-minded volunteers through the years providing service and support to their community library.  If you were ever involved in the Friends in the past, we would be pleased to hear your recollections or see any mementos you have of the group.  And it goes without saying, we hope you will join us at any time.  We encourage you to become involved with us and participate in our programs, meetings, and activities.

2003 seemed like a good time to celebrate fifteen years of ongoing philanthropy and service to the Webster Public Library by “The Friends.”  On October 15, the Friends held “15 on the 15^th,” a series of programs and events keeping the library open fifteen hours straight: from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. with 1,065 people coming through the library doors!  A wonderful “High Tea” was held where hats, gloves, and family heirloom china teacups were the order of the day!  Seven community groups shared information on their activities and businesses at table displays.  The lobby book sale had a special of “15 inches of books” for $5.  Activities included the art show and demonstrations by the Webster Art Club, serenading of staff and patrons with barbershop harmonies by the Four Town Four, face painting, a visit by Clifford the Big Red Dog, a Fairy Tale Festival, an early bird class on yoga, computer classes in the lab, food demonstrations by Wegmans, and poetry readings.

Monthly reports from former Assistant Library Director Bev Ellingwood itemized Friends financial contributions in both 1988 and 1989 with $500 donations for a new audiobook collection and a paperback rack.  1988 set our mark as regularly contributing to the life of the library, supplementing its capital budget for programs for all ages, equipment for patrons’ use, and seed funds for new collections such as audiobooks on cassette tapes, books on compact disc, and DVDs.

In the Friends second decade, membership growth became an emphasis.  From the highly successful referendum in 2001 through the opening of the new library in Webster Plaza on May 18, 2002, the Friends provided valuable support to this building project.  Memberships in the Friends surpassed 300 in 2002 for the first time.  From 1996 through 2003, our total membership has increased 616% and we have contributed nearly $64,000 to the community’s library.

Our financial support has included purchases of furniture, computer hardware, assistive devices for persons with disabilities including an electric cart, display and literature racks, artwork, 35mm and digital cameras, a public address system, equipment for public relations work such as a laminator and rotary cutter, market baskets for patrons’ use, entertainment equipment (stereo, DVD player, and VCR), and software for events and room reservations to allow for patron sign-up on the library’s web site 24 hours a day.  Our largest single contribution, nearly $17,000, was for a uniform system of signs throughout the new library, installed in 2003.