The Friends also purchased books for the library’s collection in honor of retiring Friends Vice-President Arlyss Domagala.  

On January 1, 2003, we had 336 Friends.

On December 31, 2003, we had 358 Friends, an increase of 7%.

Thanks to you, we keep going and growing.

Your dues and personal volunteer commitment make all of this possible.

In the past eight years, the Friends have continued to grow in numbers and provide strong financial support for WPL.

©       1996: 50 members, $1280 for programs, $2174 for equipment (business index table, laser printer, wheeled shopping cart for persons with disabilities)

©       1997: 65 members, $3,029 for programs, $1,238 for equipment (color printer, calligraphy artwork for children’s room, literature rack)

©       1998: 128 members, $2,413 for programs, $1,614 for equipment (podium, laser printer)

©       1999: 183 members, $2,829 for programs, $4,111 for equipment (two personal computers, banner, baby changing table, signboard for lobby, 35mm camera)

©       2000: 248 members, $1,842 for programs, $2,579 for equipment (memorial plaque, compact disc stereo, public address system, laminator, DVD player, market baskets for books), $1,000 for library materials (new DVD collection)

©       2001: 275 members, $1,494 for programs, $1,392 for equipment (laser printer, memorial plaque, VCR, globe, bookcases), $2,337 for library materials (new books on compact disc collection)

©       2002: 336 members, $2,984 for programs, $5,872 for equipment (electric cart, clocks, refrigerators, digital camera, large print computer monitor)

©       2003: 358 members, $3,000 for programs, $22,722 for equipment (signage, software, literature rack, CD-ROM rack)  

In eight years, our total memberships have increased 616% and we have contributed nearly $64,000 to the community’s library!

January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002

SPONSORED:

Forty children’s programs were offered, serving 1,693 children and 300 adults.  The children’s and teen summer reading games reached 893 students in grades K through 12. The Friends underwrote a successful series of improvisation comedy workshops with “Tiny” Glover, attracting 65 people for the hilarious Friday night show in August.

The grand opening reception of the new library on May 18, 2002, with more than 800 people at the ribbon cutting ceremony.  Thanks to Proietti’s Italian Restaurant for the cannoli, cream puffs, and coffee.  Six volunteer and staff docents gave 11 tours of the new library to 59 people from May 14 through June 4 under the direction of tour coordinator, Peg Ehmann.

Eight adult programs, including the ever-popular travelogue series, a new summer reading program for adults, and a super performance by the Webster Schroeder High School Jazz Choir at our annual meeting.

The monthly children’s “Birthday Book Giveaway” awards three new books each month to the lucky winners of our drawings.  Over 380 children entered the drawings in 2002.

The fifth annual “Webster Public Library Night” at Frontier Field in July had 27 Friends, staff members, and their families in the stands to enjoy a Red Wings game and fireworks!

A staff reception for the graduating library pages.  A copy of the World Almanac 2002 was given to each of the graduates from the Friends, thanking them for their dedication to the Webster Public Library.

 
OUR FRIENDS VOLUNTEER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

In January 2002, June Schoff became the Coordinator of the lobby book sale, co-chaired by Lucille Rix, with a crew of ten sorters.  With the huge increase in floor space, functional display racks, and over 30 hours per month spent sorting mountains of donations, our on-going used book sale continued its phenomenal success.  For the second year in a row, the year’s total sale revenue was over $9,000.  That’s a lot of “3 for $1” paperbacks!

With volunteer assistance from George Kenny, Staff Liaison Lisa Wemett was able to complete the Friends’ 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization application.  Our letter of determination from the IRS was received in less than four weeks, giving the Friends of the Webster Public Library nonprofit status.

Under the direction of our Membership Committee co-chairpersons, Joan and Phil Gammon, Friends staffed a table to solicit 38 new Friends during our sixth membership drive held in February, with the theme “We Love our Friends!”  The Gammons met and exceeded their personal goal to bring the Friends membership up to 300 in 2002!

Friends and Library Trustees, Abby Anderson and Annemarie Santoro, along with Phil Gammon and Laurie Stevens worked on a joint Friends/Library Board steering committee to develop a fund raising campaign for furnishings and materials for the new library.  Webster businesses were approached in January and 15,000 letters were mailed to residents of Webster in February.  Many, many volunteers folded and stuffed envelopes.  Within the first month, over $13,000 had been raised.  The campaign garnered over $23,000 for the library.  Thank you to our generous friends and neighbors for all those new materials!

President Laurie Stevens and Treasurer Peg Ehmann attended the New York Library Association statewide conference in Buffalo on October 25.  Phil Gammon joined the Monroe County Library System (MCLS) contingent for Lobby Day in Albany in March and several Friends participated in the rally for libraries in October, marching to the county office building to protest the cuts to county libraries.  We participated in the MCLS Friends Council and hosted the group’s September meeting.

Over 90 Friends, staff members, and trustees helped with our third annual large-scale book sale from November 18 through 22.  Held in the library meeting room, the sale netted $2,533 in the four-day event and enrolled 25 new members during the Friends Preview Night.

Friends and staff members helped staff the library’s booths at Community Arts Day in March 2002 and the Together in Action Family Fun Day and Community Resource Fair in June.  More than 500 families and community members learned about the library’s resources.

In November 2001, the Friends committed to host the 2002 Rochester Children’s Book Festival the following year for the second time in four years.  This year-long volunteer and staff effort attracted 1,022 people on November 16 at the United Methodist Church of Webster.  Thirty-eight local authors and illustrators read from their books, talked about the publishing process, and signed many autographs!  Costumed “Junior Volunteers” portrayed the characters in several of the authors’ books.  The Friends received a percentage of the book sales from Lift Bridge Book Shop for the day, totaling $2,000.

We had a 140% increase in sales during our annual fundraiser, selling 250 Entertainment 2003 books, raising $1900 for Friends projects.

PURCHASED:

In 2002, the Friends spent over $5800 for equipment for the library.

Ø      a digital camera

Ø      installation of a coverlet of historic Webster sites, donated by the Webster Museum and Historical Society

Ø      two full-size refrigerators

Ø      a rolling walker

Ø      a personal electric cart

Ø      a table-top easel and felt board figures for storytimes

Ø      four time zone clocks

Ø      a 17" flat screen monitor for our computer workstation for people with visual impairments

Ø      50 acrylic sign holders

January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001

SPONSORED:
Ø       Seven adult programs, including the ever-popular travelogue series, at a total cost of $450.  An essay contest for all ages, “What My Library Means to Me,” was held during National Library Week, with winners receiving gift certificates to Borders.  A book was also dedicated in the library collection in honor of each winner.  A display featured the winners’ essays for all patrons to enjoy.

Ø       On April 10, actor Paul Stillman portrayed Ben Franklin, sharing memories of his life and experiments with 59 people at the Friends annual meeting.  New officers were elected for 2001-2003.

Ø       Eight children’s programs were offered, serving 1,480 children, at a cost of $699 or 47¢ per child!  The “Launch into Orbit: 2001 Odyssey” summer reading game reached 1,114 children in grades K through 5. The Friends also purchased books as prizes for the 77 teens enrolled in young adult summer program.  Bill Schoff’s children’s storytelling group held a “Tellabration” as a benefit for the new library on November 17, with an audience of 112 people who donated $57.

Ø       The monthly children’s “Birthday Book Giveaway” awards three new books each month to the lucky winners of our drawings.  Over 370 children entered the drawings in 2001.

Ø       The fourth annual “Webster Public Library Night” at Frontier Field in July had 25 Friends, staff members, and their families in the stands to enjoy a Red Wings game!

Ø       Much effort went into the Friends first large fundraiser as a kick-off to the library’s capital fund campaign for the new library.  Joey and Maria’s Comedy Wedding was held November 3 at Arena’s Banquet Center for 151 wildly enthusiastic guests.  The proceeds were modest ($1655), but we learned we can throw one heck of a party!

OUR FRIENDS VOLUNTEER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Ø       Several community members were recognized for their continued support and volunteer efforts for the library: Treasurer Barbara Straube, who resigned to move to Las Vegas, Nevada, with her family, was made a Lifetime member of the Friends; Philip Sinaguglia, Community Relations Manager for Hegedorn’s, received an Honorary Friend membership in June; Marie Zachmann (Webster’s librarian from 1956-1959) and Bev Ellingwood (the first certified librarian in the new Town Hall library and former Assistant Library Director, serving on the library staff from 1959 to 2002) were honored with Lifetime memberships.  

Ø       The “Read ‘N Rest: Titles Too Good to Resist” project continued with the cooperation of three area motels.  Reader’s Digest Condensed Books are placed in the rooms with a label stating that readers can take the book with them if they are enjoying it.  The Friends replenish the book supply as needed.  Hill Haven Nursing Home was added as a distribution point this year.  

Ø       Volunteers assisted with summer reading program registration, landscape clean-up, stitching “welcome new baby” packets, tours for youth group visits, and lobbying in Albany for library funding.  

Ø       Under the direction of our new Membership Committee co-chairpersons, Joan and Phil Gammon, Friends staffed a table to solicit 34 new Friends during our second membership drive held throughout summer reading registration week.  

Ø       Sixty-seven Friends, staff members, and trustees helped with our second annual large-scale book sale on Tuesday, July 17 and Wednesday, July 18.  Held in the library meeting room, the sale netted $2,334 in the two-day event.  

Ø       Friends and staff members helped staff the library’s booths at Community Arts Day in April 2001, the Together in Action Family Fun Day and Community Resource Fair in June, and the Webster Expo 2001 in October.  More than 1,000 families and community members learned about the library’s resources.  

Ø       We sold 107 Entertainment 2002 books, raising $722 for Friends projects.  

Ø       The Friends donated both books and $200 to the Macedon Public Library’s “Phoenix Fund” after the library’s entire collection and building was destroyed by fire in April 2001.  

Ø       The Friends certificate of incorporation was approved by the State Education Department on June 21, 2001.  Work continued on the Friends’ application for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.  

Ø       Our on-going used book sale in the lobby continued its phenomenal success, yielding an average $768 per month, a 16% increase over monthly earnings in 2000.  The year’s total sale revenue was $9,220.  

Ø       The Friends distributed fact sheets, wrote op-ed pieces, and held a “get out the vote” phonathon to remind voters to participate in the referendum for the new library on July 10.  The bond vote passed 6-1 (1,216 to 231)!  Friends representatives were included on an Ad Hoc Fundraising Committee with library trustees with the goal of a capital fund drive in early 2002 for the library’s new home in the former Ames store in Webster Plaza.  

PURCHASED:

In 2001, the Friends spent over $3700 for equipment and materials for the library

Ø       canvas and plastic book bags and bright red T-shirts for resale as a fund raising effort

Ø       a memorial plaque to recognize gifts given to the library

Ø       a laser printer for public use

Ø       book-shaped magnets with the library’s hours and web address to give to children getting their first library card

Ø       pedestal globe for children’s area

Ø       one dozen Boy Scout merit badge manuals in memory of Henry Domagala

Ø       VCR

Ø       $300 for adult materials on terrorism and the Middle East

Ø       3-tier rolling cart for book sale donations

Ø       two oak folding bookcases for lobby sale display

Ø       start-up funds ($2,000) for a new collection of books on compact disc

January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2000

SPONSORED:

The Friends underwrite the cost of many library programs and events for children, young adults, and adults.  This year we held--  

Ø      36 adult programs with over 1,300 people in attendance, at a cost of $1,141 or 86¢ per person!  The Friends underwrote $798 of these costs.  

Ø      ten children’s programs serving over 1,400 children, at a cost of $1,044 or 74¢ per child!  The “Discover 2000—Reach for the Stars!” summer reading game reached 969 children in grades K through 6.  The monthly children’s “Birthday Book Giveaway” awards three new books each month to the lucky winners of our drawings.  Over 400 children entered the drawings in 2000.  

Ø      the third annual “Webster Public Library Night” at Frontier Field in July where 28 Friends, staff members, and their families enjoyed a Red Wings game!
 

OUR FRIENDS VOLUNTEER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

It is very appropriate that we are recognizing our volunteers as National Volunteer Week 2001 approaches, April 22 through 28.  Here are some of their contributions to the library this year:  

Ø      The library’s Board of Trustees nominated Friend Abby Anderson for two awards recognizing her outstanding contributions to the library, the Friends, and our community: the “Service Beyond Measure Award” from the Monroe County Library System and the “Dan Casey Library Advocacy Award” sponsored by the Empire State Friends of the New York Library Association.  

Ø      The “Read ‘N Rest: Titles Too Good to Resist” project was established in March with the cooperation of four area motels.  Reader’s Digest Condensed Books are placed in the rooms with a label stating that readers can take the book with them if they are enjoying it.  The Friends replenish the book supply as needed.  Over 100 books have been “recycled” for motel guests’ enjoyment.  

Ø      Network and Patron Services Librarian Kim Taney kept Friends meetings and activities up-to-date on the library’s web page, www.websterlibrary.org.  

Ø      Friends staffed tables to solicit 44 new Friends during our first membership drive throughout summer reading registration week and our third annual membership drive during Children’s Book Week in November.  

Ø      Sixty Friends, staff members, and trustees helped with our first large-scale booksale in over ten years during the Webster Community Days in August 2000.  We netted $1,033.05, more than six times our average sales at past “Good Neighbor Days.”  

Ø      Eight Friends and staff members helped at the library’s booths at Community Arts Day in April 2000 and the Webster Kids Care’s Community Resource Fair and Family Fun Day in June.  

Ø      We sold 136 Entertainment 2001 books, raising $1,028 for Friends projects, an increase of 104% over last year’s sales and 160% increase in profits!  

Ø      Seven volunteers provided library service to the six homebound patrons, including residents at Quinby Park Senior Apartments.  

Ø      Our on-going used book sale in the lobby continues its phenomenal success, yielding an average $663 per month.  This represents a nearly 30% increase in average monthly revenue over 1999.  Three workshops were held to train 15 Friends to sort book donations and evaluate the materials for the library’s collection and collectible values.  Our thanks to all our community “Friends” who donate their used books, compact discs, cassettes, magazines, and videos.
 

PURCHASED:

In 2000, the Friends spent over $3500 for equipment and materials for the library.

Ø      canvas and plastic book bags and bright red T-shirts for resale as a fund raising effort

Ø      a plaque to recognize gifts given to the library in honor of individuals

Ø      video tape repair kit

Ø      compact disc stereo for library programs

Ø      public address system for the building

Ø      tabletop laminator for signs

Ø      DVD player

Ø      18 bright red book baskets with the library’s logo to assist readers in carrying their selections to the Circulation Desk

Ø      pencil vending machine

Ø      start-up funds ($1,000) for a new collection of DVDs

Ø      decorative improvements for the children’s area, including signage, storytime accessories, child-size furniture, seasonal banners, and other decorations