Friends make the library better

There are many, many worthy charities to donate, one that is often overlooked is the Friends of Elkhart Public Library.

The Friends are a network of library supporters, mostly volunteers, working to support and make the library better.

President of EPL Ken Clayborn said the seven-year-old group has around 140 members.

“The Friends raise money for grants that the library can use to buy things that are not in their budget,” Clayborn said.

Many of the items that the Friends purchase are items used as giveaways and prizes in various programs but they also provide equipment to library departments, such as a book binder for the technical services department to assist with book repairs, Clayborn said.

The Friends hold several fundraisers a year that they use to fund the grants they give.

< < Learn more about Trees, Trees, Trees and how to bid here > >

The Friends also host a bi-monthly book sale at the downtown library as well as offering books for sale near the circulation desks at every branch during regular daily hours.

Plans are underway for a trivia fundraiser in the early part of next year.

In addition to supporting the Friends through these fundraisers, anyone can become a friend as well. The sign up form is available at the circulation desk of any EPL location or can be downloaded from our website.

< < Learn more about the Friends and how they support EPL > >

This Giving Tuesday, consider giving to your Friends and help support the programs and events that make EPL great.