Libraries looking for volunteers

Columbia County Friends of the Libraries want to make new friends.

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For the county's three libraries -- the main branch, Harlem and Euchee Creek -- Friends of the Libraries lend a helping hand when needed and offer financial support when times call for it.

"They're always here and they do it purely on a volunteer basis," said Pam Link, a children's librarian and interim library manager. "They are very giving and we greatly appreciate it."

The group will hold an informal coffee meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday for potential volunteers for its gift shop and book sales area at the Columbia County Library. Group President Barbara Williams said the meeting will include a brief presentation on the volunteer opportunities at the library, a question-and-answer session and a meet-and-greet. Refreshments will be served.

"The Friends of the Libraries consists of approximately 216 members encompassing corporate, family and individual members," Williams said of the group created in 1984. "We are guided by elected officers and a constitution and hold meetings quarterly. About 20 members volunteer each week in the gift shop area selling gifts and used books."

The volunteers collect, haul, sort, give away and sell donated and discarded books and items. Last year, it gave nearly $50,000 to the county's libraries.

The money is used to help pay for writers' visits, computer instructors, equipment, book purchases and classes and workshops offered at the library.

Link said the funds also allow for the purchase of books for the summer reading program.

"We really couldn't do it without them," she said.

IF YOU GO

What: Friends of the Library coffee for prospective volunteers

When: 10 a.m. Tuesday

Where: Columbia County Library, Evans

More: Call Barbara Williams at (706) 863-8760