09 Apr Celebrating the Wasaga Beach Friends of the Library: A Pillar of Community Support
A group of dedicated individuals has been quietly but steadfastly championing literacy and community engagement for years. The Wasaga Beach Friends of the Library, a non-profit organization closely aligned with the Wasaga Beach Public Library (WBPL), stands as a shining example of community-driven support for education and culture.
The Friends of the Library play a crucial role in enriching the resources and programs offered by the WBPL. Their contributions, both in terms of volunteer efforts and financial support, have helped elevate the library’s offerings to greater heights. From funding library resource acquisitions to sponsoring events and programs, their impact reverberates throughout the community.
A Vital Support System for the Library
One of the notable contributions of the Friends of the Library is their support for the TD Summer Reading Club School Challenge, a vital initiative aimed at combating the “summer slide” in children’s reading skills. Having contributed over $4,000, they have fueled this friendly competition among local elementary schools, enabling them to provide valuable resources and cash prizes to the top-performing schools – $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $750 for third place, which are utilized to enhance school libraries with new literacy materials. Additionally, individual prizes incentivize top readers, fostering a love for reading and ensuring the initiative’s lasting impact extends beyond the competition itself.
Upcoming Events: Mother’s Day Spring Tea & Spring Book Sale
In addition to their ongoing efforts in support of literacy, the Friends of the Library are preparing for their Mother’s Day Spring Tea event on May 5th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the WBPL’s Remax Room, promising sophistication and charm. Guests will enjoy finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, sweet treats, and fine teas while being serenaded by flutist Leslie Joosten and inspired by guest speaker Simcoe County Master Gardener Pat Cook. Exciting games, prizes, and a special gift will round out the celebration. Tickets priced at $30 are available at the Wasaga Beach Library, Veronica’s Flowers, and IDA.
The Friends are also gearing up for their annual Spring Book Sale. Set to take place from May 17th to May 19th, taking place at 148 Silver Birch Avenue. This sale promises literary treasures for book enthusiasts. Whether you’re searching for hidden gems or literary classics, there is something for everyone. Best of all, every purchase made contributes to the funding of library programs and services, furthering the Friends’ mission of enriching the community through literacy.
A Lasting Legacy
The Friends of the Library will be generously donating a stained glass art installation to commemorate the opening of WBPL’s new facility in 2024. Inspired by the library’s values and mission, the artwork features four panels symbolizing aspects of literacy and modern communication: ‘Handwriting,’ ‘Books,’ ‘Braille,’ and a ‘QR Code.’ This artwork highlights the enduring importance of handwritten communication, the timeless relevance of books, a commitment to accessibility through Braille, and the digital era represented by a QR code. Additionally, it recognizes the invaluable contribution of the Friends of the Library committee to the community and the arts. The installation will be available for the public to view in the coming weeks.
As we celebrate the contributions of the Friends of the Library, let us also recognize the profound impact of their dedication and generosity on the community of Wasaga Beach. Through their tireless advocacy and support, they continue to sow the seeds of knowledge, imagination, and connection, enriching lives and shaping futures for generations to come.
The Wasaga Beach Friends of the Library always welcome community members to join them in their efforts to promote literacy and community engagement. Whether through attending events, volunteering, or becoming a member, there are numerous ways to show support for this invaluable organization.
Want to Get Involved?
There are many different ways to become a Friend of the Library, depending on your skill set, passion and time.