News – Page 5 – Friends of the Troy Public Library

READ with the FTPL…at home!

Posted on July 20, 2020 by Susan Simonte Matthews

READ (read, eat, and drink) with local authors…at home! We were disappointed to postpone our in-person READ (Read, Eat, and Drink) event last March, and we know our authors were as well. But we put our thinking caps on, and we’ve come up with what think is the next best thing! Several of our scheduled participants have prepared videos profiling their work. We’ll be sharing them one at a time over the coming days, and we hope you’ll watch and consider supporting these local authors. When the time is right, we’ll hold the event we intended. But for now, pour a glass of your favorite beverage, grab a snack, and meet a new author from the comfort of your safe homes! Introducing…Danielle Bernock!

READ with the Authors…at home!

Posted on July 1, 2020 by Susan Simonte Matthews

We were disappointed to postpone our in-person READ (Read, Eat, and Drink) event last March, and we know our authors were as well. But we put our thinking caps on, and we’ve come up with what think is the next best thing! Several of our scheduled participants have prepared videos profiling their work. We’ll be sharing them one at a time over the coming days, and we hope you’ll watch and consider supporting these local authors. When the time is right, we’ll hold the event we intended. But for now, pour a glass of your favorite beverage, grab a snack, and meet a new author from the comfort of your safe homes! Introducing…Tony Aued! (Click his name!)

Library Funding into the Future

Posted on June 9, 2020 by Susan Simonte Matthews

From Friends President Sue Matthews, as read into record at last night’s Troy City Council Study Session regarding TPL funding: “Troy deserves to have a facility that matches the forward-thinking, well-educated, and technologically driven nature of our city and its residents.” Do you agree? Please take some time to watch the attached video of last night’s meeting. The slideshow presentation of the current funding model vs. potential scenarios can be viewed from 17:30-47:00. The Q and A following the slideshow is also instructive. Once you’ve seen the playback, consider telling Council and City Administration how you feel about funding the TPL going forward. The Friends remain committed to supporting and promoting the best library in Michigan, and we are happy to answer questions regarding the…

Back in Business!

Posted on April 24, 2019 by Susan Simonte Matthews

The Friends lower-level Book Shop and our lobby Friends Shop are both now open for business as usual. Visit either one today to find an array of high-quality items! Our lobby Friends Shop offers retail items including greeting cards, home décor, office/study supplies, and a selection of quality used books and DVD’s. Our lower-level Book Shop is the best used book shop in town! There you’ll find high-quality, gently-used books, DVD’s, CD’s, LP’s, audiobooks, and more! Most items are priced $1, and we restock weekly. We accept your donations! Please check our guidelines for donating, then bring your items to the Donations Area in the lobby. We always welcome new Friends! Join the Friends as a member or a volunteer…and join the fun of being…

Board Member Profile of the Month: Lou Wassel, Member of Many Trades!

Posted on February 18, 2018 by Susan Simonte Matthews

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

Posted on January 15, 2018 by Susan Simonte Matthews

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

Posted on December 21, 2017 by Friends of the Troy Public Library Webmaster

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!

Posted on December 17, 2017 by Susan Simonte Matthews

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

Posted on October 4, 2017 by Susan Simonte Matthews

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

Posted on July 11, 2017 by Susan Simonte Matthews

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…