Christine Whelan FEO, May 23, 2024, VOL. 5 ISSUE 19

Out In the Community, Raising Money and Spreading the Message, “Libraries Matter”

The Friends of the Fort Erie Public Library meet monthly at the Fort Erie Public Library, Centennial Branch, 136 Gilmore Road. Their mission? To ensure that our public libraries are the best they can be for the residents of Fort Erie.

“Most of the people who started the organization were retired teachers,” Wendy Devino, Vice President of the organization, shared. “Being teachers, they knew the value and importance of reading.”

Standing as a separate group that raises funds and advocates for the library, they are the ones out in the community. Wendy explained, “The community comes into the library to talk to the librarians. We are out there, in the community.”

When asked why she values the library programs, Wendy shared that she grew up in the area and left to live life, returning a little less than six years ago. While friends and family she had in town had lives of their own, Wendy decided to create the same.

“I started going to the library to meet people. I started knitting. From there, I was invited to the Friends of the Fort Erie Public Library.”

She continued, “I use the computers and printers. I’m an avid reader. I’m always at the library.”

Fundraisers

Since 2015, the group has given the library over $70,000.

Recently, the organization held a book sale where they also sold jewelry and used DVDs, coffee, and cocoa at the Crystal Ridge Branch on Saturday, March 9.

A cheque was given to the library for $2,000 towards the Library Lending Program and iPad stands.

Wendy commented about previous book sales. “There were people lined up down the road to get into the book sale.” She added gratefully, “We get so many books donated.”

These days, all energy has been focused on this month’s fundraiser. Wendy explained, “We are going to be holding a silent auction on Friday, May 24 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Saturday, May 25 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in collaboration with the Fort Erie Public Library at the Centennial branch.”

The event includes wine and cheese, an art sale, a tote bag, and jewelry sale. To view a selection of baskets, check out the Facebook page, Friends of the Fort Erie Public Library.

All money raised will go towards the library’s expanding children’s programming.

Wendy touched on a couple of future events. “There will be a picnic at the Old Fort on June 11. We also have three book sales coming mid-summer at Sherkston Beaches. One in June, one in July, one in August.”

Watch for details about these upcoming events on the organization’s Facebook page.

History

The group of residents began organizing and gathering everything they needed in 2013.

“They had their first meeting at the library in 2014,” Wendy explained. “And they had their first election in 2014.”

That same year, they had their first fundraiser, which was a miniature golf game at the library with music and refreshments.

In February 2015, the Friends of the Fort Erie Public Library received their Federal Charities status.

From there, the organization raised funds for projects such as a toddler’s play area, adult’s and children’s programming, a music lending library, a virtual reality system, a mobile kitchen, and sensory toys in the children’s library.

In 2017, a rink-side reading nook was set up at the Crystal Ridge Arena, funded by a grant support from the Retired Teachers of Ontario, District 14 Niagara.

In 2023, to raise awareness, the Friends of Fort Erie Public Library participated in the Crystal Beach End of the Summer Parade, winning first in the Community Participant category. The vice president commented that their float received a great reaction, and they will hopefully enter the parade again this year.

The organization held its annual general meeting on April 9, 2024.

The Fort Erie Public Library, with its three branches in Fort Erie, Ridgeway, and Stevensville, is an important resource that helps to strengthen and build a healthy community by offering free access to books, reading information, and technology, as well as educational and special programming for all ages.

The Friends of the Fort Erie Public Library are out in the community, encouraging people to visit the library and reminding parents that it’s a fun and safe place to bring their kids.

Their Facebook page regularly promotes library activities as well as their fundraisers.

To check out their webpage, go to www.fepl.ca/friends.

To contact Friends of the Fort Erie Public Library, email friends@fepl.ca.