5-1-2026

The month of May will likely fly by as we spend Friends of the Library money, fundraise for the Friends of the Library, and thank the Friends of the Library.

The single largest program funded by the ETLPL Friends of the Library is our Summer Reading Program. Each year they donate money spent on t-shirts for the staff, giveaways for all children who participate (as of last year this is largely the brag tags and cables to collect them), decorations for the parade, a stipend for the FFA’s Petting Zoo, and various prizes given away at the Pizza Party. In May we are finalizing those selections, creating posters and materials to advertise the programs. Currently, the coolest prize may be a metal detector. Money spent.

Books and Bites is the Friends’ second largest fundraiser, which supports the SRP. For the fourth year, the entire Friends book sale will be set up on the lawn along Graydon Avenue on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. This year that would be May 23^rd as Memorial Day is early. The Friends are meeting at 7:30am to set up the sale with the expectation of opening for business at 9:00.

Baked goods are also included in the sale. The books are so inexpensively priced I imagine they make more money off the sweet treats. That said, we are looking for bakers. Anyone who can follow directions on a box of brownies (one of my greatest weaknesses – brownies, not directions) is eligible. More advanced bakers are also welcome. We just ask the items be packaged for individual sale. The price is usually $1.00 (same as a hardcover book). If more should be charged, please label the price. Any item with nuts should also be labeled.

Baked goods can be dropped off at the library Friday, May 22^nd or early Saturday, May 23^rd. Money raised.

Thank you to the Friends takes place at their Annual Meeting. At that time, they pay dues, vote for officers, and enjoy whatever food the library provided. This year I’m thinking about making both sourdough chocolate chip cookies and lavender shortbread. Fingers crossed, I will also make a dessert with sumac as lavender and sumac have each been a Spice of the Month this year.

What I’m saying is, “If you’re available at 1:30 on Friday, May 15^th, that is a good time to join our Friends of the Library.” Friends thanked.

Reading Now: The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston (May book club selection)

Listening to Now: Mind Invaders by Dave Hunt (From the Great American Read)