Friends News

You’re Invited to the 5th Annual Winter Wonderland Festival on Friday December 8, 2017! Sponsored in part by the Friends of the Troy Public Library

Posted on by Friends of the Troy Public Library Webmaster
You’re Invited to the 5th Annual Winter Wonderland Festival on Friday December 8, 2017! Sponsored in part by the Friends of the Troy Public Library

This FREE event returns to the Troy Civic Center Campus with new special features! Start the night at the south entrance of City Hall along West Big Beaver Road for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:30 pm. Throughout the evening, move on to the Troy Public Library and Troy Community Center to participate in fun activities for the whole family. Special this year, activities geared for ages 5 and under will take place at the Library and activities for 5 and above will take place at the Community Center. Dress warmly and we’ll see you there !  

Giving Thanks

Posted on by Susan Simonte Matthews

The Friends of the Troy Public Library are thankful to all of our Friends, our volunteers, our library patrons, and our customers.  Without the collective group, our work could not be done. In the last year, the Friends have donated the funding for the programming of the library, the lobby furniture, and other enhancements that benefit the entire library community. Our lobby Friends Shop is open daily, and our lower-level Book Shop operates every Sat./Sun. that the Library is open.  Visit us soon to see what we have to offer.  Additionally, watch this space for announcements of upcoming holiday events and special shopping experiences! Thanks for supporting the Friends!

Important Issues and the Friends

Posted on 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…

Meet and Greet with Chris Bohjalian

Posted on by Susan Simonte Matthews

It’s Time for Another Friends of the Troy Public Library Members Only Event! Join the Friends for an exclusive Members Only Meet and Greet with Chris Bohjalian, New York Times bestselling author of over nineteen novels. A master of literary suspense, Mr. Bohjalian weaves stories that explore contemporary social issues and the ways they play out in the lives of ordinary people. His book titles include Midwives, The Night Strangers, and his latest, The Sleepwalkers. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to meet and speak with him in a small group setting on the evening of October 17, 2017. Be sure to also pre-register with the Troy Public Library for his 7PM speaking engagement and book signing with the general public. Not a member? Join us! Please visit our website at http://www.friendstpl.org/members or pick up a membership application…

The Library Endowment Fund and the Friends: A Partnership in Action

Posted on by Susan Simonte Matthews
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…

Friends Member Exclusive!

Posted on by Susan Simonte Matthews
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!

Posted on by Susan Simonte Matthews

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

Posted on by Susan Simonte Matthews
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.