This month, we present Lou Wassel: Board Member, car aficionado, TPL lover! Read all about Lou here! What is your role with the Friends? List all jobs that you perform for the FTPL and for how long you’ve been associated with the same. I am a Lifetime Member of the FTPL. In 2015, I became a Board Member – At Large. I currently serve on the Finance Committee, the Nominating Committee, and the Social Media Committee. Briefly describe who you are – married, single, family, kids, interests, etc. I am married and the father of four adult children. I also have one grandson, one dog, and two cats. As for my favorite local hangouts, they include the Troy Community Center, the Troy Public Library (especially…
Board Member Profile of the Month: Jeff Marraccini, IT Chair
Jeff Marraccini has been a member of the Board of the FTPL since September 2016, but he’s been a TPL lover for much longer. Read all about Jeff here! What is your role with the Friends? List all jobs that you perform for the FTPL and for how long you’ve been associated with the same. Board Member, focusing on IT and web site development. I joined in 2016. Briefly describe who you are – married, single, family, kids, interests, etc. I am single but have a wonderful relationship with my partner Allison, and we both enjoy TPL! I was involved early in helping spread the Internet back before it was commercialized, and thus have had a lot of exposure to many computing platforms thanks to…
Winter Solstice & Holiday Weekend Schedule
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a book, game or CD from our Book Shop. Most titles priced at $1 or less. While you’re at it, finish last minute holiday shopping in our Gift Shop. Both Shops are located inside the Troy Public Library Holiday Weekend Schedule: Saturday December 23 – Book Shop (10AM-1PM), Gift Shop (11AM-4PM) Sunday December 24 – Troy Public Library Closed Saturday December 30 – Book Shop (10AM-1PM), Gift Shop (11AM-4PM) Sunday December 31 – Troy Public Library Closed
Recognizing the Value of our Wonderful Volunteers!
Every fall, it is our honor and privilege to recognize one of our volunteers for his/her outstanding performance and steadfast service at the Leadership Troy Annual Recognition Banquet. Janice May was the honoree for 2017. Janice exemplifies the best of the Friends of the Troy Public Library. For over twenty years, she has brought her sweet, cheerful smile and caring wisdom to our organization. An expert in all areas of the Book Shop, she happily greets and helps every individual in her midst. Her vast knowledge of books, authors, and sales trends helps make our Book Shop popular and profitable. In fact, we have an entire section dedicated to her hand-picked titles! But perhaps most importantly, Jan remembers details of all our families and asks after…
Important Issues and the Friends
Perhaps you’ve heard of an item on our November 2017 ballot regarding the Troy City Charter. The measure asks residents to alter the Charter to require a vote of the electorate anytime a city parcel of two acres or more is to be used, leased, or sold. This was purportedly initiated as a way to protest the development of the Civic Center campus. However, an approval of this measure would have far-reaching consequences that would affect multiple organizations and services within the City of Troy. The Friends of the Troy Public Library are among them. As you know, the Friends use portions of the Troy Public Library for our Book Shop and our lobby Friends Shop. Because the Library sits on a City parcel of more…
The Library Endowment Fund and the Friends: A Partnership in Action
Perhaps you’ve heard about the Troy Public Library Endowment Fund (http://troypl.org/endowment/) created for the benefit of the Troy Public Library. Over the last year, nearly $60,000 has been raised to support the future of the Library and its operations. This money has come from public and private donors in the local community and beyond. The Friends have been raising money for over fifty years to promote and support the TPL as well. Our money comes from sales in our shops, membership dues, donations, bequests, and grants. In fact, the Friends were the impetus for first having a library in Troy! With one small book drive and sale in the 1960’s, the dedicated group of volunteers donated seed money to begin the collection. So what is…
We Have the Best Friends!
Don’t you love when people say nice things? So do we! We’ve received some great feedback lately, and it warmed our hearts. Read about it here: Testimonials.
Friends Member Exclusive!
Join us for an exclusive Friends Members Only Meet and Greet with Elizabeth Berg, New York Times bestselling author, prior to her general presentation to the Troy community. You’ll have the opportunity to engage her in a small-group setting before her speaking engagement and book signing. Learn more about Ms. Berg at her website: www.elizabeth-berg.net
Welcome to Our New Website!
Months in the making, hours of work and testing, and it’s finally time to welcome you to our new site! Take a few moments and check it all out. Learn something new about the Friends, explore our Blog posts, and try all the menus. If you like what you see, we’re happy! If something isn’t working well, or if you have a suggestion for future content, let us know. We love to hear from our Friends, and we’re happy you’re here!
Putting Books in the Hands of Those in Need
Our Outreach program is a core part of our operations. Each week, boxes of books are packed and donated to several civic, charities, schools, shelters, or veterans/hospital groups. Some of the places we’ve supported include: The Veterans Affairs hospitals Local elementary, middle, and high schools and teachers Haven House and Gilda’s Club Troy Community Center District Court Jury Waiting room Gleaners Food Banks Salvation Army CareNet Pregnancy Centers Encore Upscale Resale in support of local Christian schools If you know of a local charity that would accept our donated materials, please contact us at friendstpl@gmail.com.
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