Friends of the Library

Who We Are

Friends of the Laurel County Public Library is a membership-based volunteer organization whose purpose is to serve the library as “helping hands” and to promote the library as a learning center for all people in the community.

Board of Directors 2020-2021:

• • Tiffanie Martin – President
  • Pam Chadwell – Vice-President
  • Debra Steelman – Treasurer
  • Marjorie VanDiver – Secretary
  • Ted Bliss
  • Teressa Gibbs
  • Shannon Griffin
  • Heather Miller
  • Shelby Smith

What We Do

The Friends of the LCPL support numerous library and outreach programs through volunteer and financial assistance. Scholar-led book series, author events, materials for children and teen programs, concerts, theater performances, Books for Babies, and many other programs are supported through Friends. Book donations have also been provided to some community organizations in Laurel County.

We raise money through book sales, special fundraisers, membership dues, and donations.

When We Meet

The general membership meeting of the Friends of the Laurel County Public Library is carried out once a year, typically in June. At this meeting, a report of the Friends activities is distributed, new directors are elected, and new Board members are introduced. The Friends Board of Directors meets quarterly to discuss the regular business issues.

How You Can Help

Your support makes a difference. Members are invited to help in a variety of ways: work at book sales, price and package books, be a greeter at various events, serve refreshments, assist with information tables at special events, and promote the library. If you have an idea of another way the Friends can help the library, let us know. We’re open to suggestions!

Additional Membership Benefits

You’ll be invited to the “Friends Preview Night” at upcoming book sales and receive advance notice of Friends-sponsored day trips by bus.  Also, our annual meeting (typically in June) includes a complimentary meal to celebrate the year’s achievements.

How Do I Become A Friend?

You may stop by the library’s circulation desk to pick up an application or print the form below. You can bring it with payment to the library or place it in the mail. If you have any questions, please contact our Friends Board liaison Susan at (606) 864-5759.

Does Friends of the Library accept donations?

Yes! We accept donations throughout the year and process them for our annual sales. Items can be brought to the library and left with the staff at the front desk. If you’re looking to bring a large amount of items, please let us know in advance so we can better accommodate your visit. Here’s a few guidelines on what we accept.

Do Donate:

• Good condition items ONLY: clean, no water damage or mold, unmarked, and odorless
• Fiction and non-fiction books for all ages
• Paperbacks or hardcovers
• Media with original cases: DVDs, CDs, audiobooks
• Video games less than 5 years old in original cases

Do not donate:

• Encyclopedias
• Textbooks
• Yearbooks
• VHS tapes
• Damaged items
• Old, musty, or out-of-date items