INITIATIVES
Libraries and Art
The Friends have made the beautification of our libraries a priority. We want to help make our libraries a source of whimsy and possibility. To do so, the Friends are bringing public art installations into branches across the City. Friends volunteers have played a vital role in this effort, whether it be preparing an exterior wall for a mural or wrapping old books in fabric. This effort is being funded, in part, by grants from the Mississippi Arts Commission and matching donations from the Forman Watkins Foundation.
Annual Fundraiser
Each year the Friends hope to have a signature fundraising event to support the Jackson branches of our ibrary system. These fundraisers are typically supported by generous corporate and individual sponsors and ticket sales. The events include great food, lively music, and a presentation from a well-known author. Friends volunteers are critical to dreaming up these events, raising awareness about them, and pulling them off.
Annual Booksale
One of the longest standing fundraisers for the Friends has been its Annual Booksale. The Friends accept donations of books and utilize items weeded from the Library’s collections, and then give those books a second life in the hands of book lovers here in the City. Nothing beats sipping a cup of coffee in crisp Fall weather while you search for hidden treasures at the Annual Booksale! As always, Friends volunteers make this event possible, and proceeds raised from the Booksale go to support the Library.
Advocacy and Awareness
Throughout the year, the Friends try to increase awareness about the Library and ways folks can get involved. To do so, the Friends often establish a presence at community events, fairs, and festivals, recruiting new members and advocating for the Library. In addition, the Friends also try to keep members informed about upcoming events and needs for the Library.
Collection Development
Over the years, the Friends have made significant contributions to the Library System’s collection. The Friends have supported the Library System through the Wells Collection, acquiring hundreds of award-winning books not previously part of the System’s collection. And, the Friends previously secured a one-of-its-kind contribution from the New York Review of Books consisting of more than 700 unique titles which are currently housed at the Willie Morris Library Branch.
Volunteers, Staff Appreciation, and Other Special Projects
In addition to the above initiatives, the Friends partner with the Library System to provide volunteers, support for staff appreciation initiatives, and financial assistance with other special projects. The Friends maintain an open dialogue with Library System leadership to determine new ways we can help support the Library System in pursuit of its goals.