In the heart of Grand Terrace, a dedicated group of individuals is working tirelessly to enhance the services and programs offered by the Grand Terrace Library. The Grand Terrace Friends of the Library (FotL) is a vital force, comprised of passionate community members who aim to raise funds and awareness in support of their beloved local library.
The current board members, led by President Deirdre Taylor, are at the forefront of these efforts. With Frances Armenta as Vice President, Maria Douglas Notarangelo as Treasurer, Mary Henry as Secretary, as well as Lori Williams and Alicia Lomas-Gross as Members-at-Large, this dynamic team is committed to fostering a strong literary community in Grand Terrace.
The FotL traces its roots back to 1975, with founding members Ann Petta, Pauline Grant, Alice Fletcher, and Barbara Khacherian. Since then, the organization has been an integral part of the community, embodying its mission to raise both funds and public awareness for the Grand Terrace Library.
As a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, the FotL operates independently from the library but collaborates seamlessly to enrich the community's literary experiences. One of the keyways they raise funds is through used book sales, held four to five times a year. These sales, which offer a diverse range of books, contribute to organizing special events, such as the upcoming visit from Santa Claus to the GT Library next month, and bolster the Summer Reading Program by hiring performers and purchasing prizes.
To expand their impact, FotL is reaching out to the community for support. Donations of books, funds, and volunteers are always welcomed and appreciated. The local Boy Scouts troop, Pack 242, and local Cub Scout Troop 40, already lends a hand with setting up and taking down book sales, but additional support is crucial to sustaining their efforts.
Board members Patricia and Frances extend an invitation for book donations, especially children's books, which can be dropped off at the Book Room (located behind GT City Hall with a distinctive pink door) on Tuesday mornings from 9 am to 11 am. The organization accepts books of all genres (excluding magazines and textbooks) and encourages the community to contribute to their cause.
Moreover, FotL is actively seeking more volunteers to join their ranks. Monthly meetings are held in the community room at GT City Hall, with the next one scheduled for Monday, November 27th, at 5:10 pm. The group is open to new members who share a passion for literature and community engagement.
Looking ahead, the Grand Terrace Friends of the Library announces their next Used Book Sale, scheduled for Saturday, February 3rd,2024 from 9 am to 1 pm. With a specific need for children's books, the organization invites the community to participate by donating, volunteering, or simply attending the event to discover literary treasures.
In the spirit of collaboration and community spirit, the Grand Terrace Friends of the Library is poised to continue making a lasting impact on the cultural and educational landscape of Grand Terrace. For those interested in contributing or becoming a part of this literary journey, the doors of the FotL are wide open, welcoming all who share their vision for a thriving and well-supported local library.