Help support the library by becoming a FOL

     The Friends of the Ross and Elizabeth Baty Public Library (FOL) exists “to advocate, educate, and raise funds on behalf of the Monticello Public Library, its patrons, and the community.”

     Each year, the FOL board of directors and members volunteer their time and talents to assist the library in an array of ways:

     • Support the Summer Reading Program

     • Provide funding to bring speakers and educational events to the library

     • Purchase and provide refreshments for many library programs

     • Supplement funding for special events for adults and children

     In order to raise the funds to support the library, the FOL is holding its annual membership drive for 2019.

     “A library is an essential outlet for community members, especially a small community,” said FOL President Emily Russ. “Free library events for families to attend is incredibly important to appeal to residents.”

     There are several levels of memberships available:

     • Individual membership for $10

     • Business membership for $25

     • Bronze level for $50 to $99

     • Silver level for $100 to $199

     • Gold level for $200 to $299

     • Platinum level for $300 and above

     FOL is a non-profit organization. All memberships/donations are tax-deductible.

     Particular events the FOL have assisted with include: Cookies, Cocoa & Carols; gingerbread house decorating; and the annual Wimpy Kid Party; Summer Reading Program; among many others.

     “This group has even provided funds to purchase laptops for the Monticello CoderDoJo that offers free STEM programming,” said Russ.

     There are two ways you can sign up to become a FOL member. One, stop in the Monticello Public Library to fill out a membership form and pay your dues (cash or check). The library is located at 205 E. Grand St.

     Two, you can join by mail. Membership forms can be found inside this week’s Shoppers’ Guide. Simply fill it out and mail your membership to Monticello Friends of the Library, Membership 2019, 205 E. Grand St., Monticello, IA 52310. Make checks payable to “Monticello Friends of the Library.”

     If you join the FOL between now and Jan. 17, you will be eligible to win a $50 gift card to either Amazon or Apple iTunes. The drawing will take place Jan. 17 during the FOL meeting.

     “Be part of a positive momentum in this community and invest in something that is certain to produce positive results,” concluded Russ.

     You can find out more about the FOL by visiting their website: http://tinyurl.com/MontiFOL. To keep up with the happenings at the Monticello library, visit www.monticello.lib.ia.us.