The main Friends event and fund-raiser is the annual Book Fair/Sale held at Wilson Park Ice Rink.  This three-day event is held the end of May/beginning of June.

In the fall, there is a half-day book sale on the Patio of the Johnson Road library building.  The proceeds of the sales and membership dues are used to fund donations to the library district.

The Friends donate funds to help support the Summer Reading Program for the children of our communities.  Our children are our future and the FOL feels it is very important to foster a love of books and reading at an early age.  All summer there are special events and performers at both library locations provided by the generosity of the Friends.  We want to encourage children to be involved with reading and the library.

The Friends have provided the library with:

• Shelving
• A flag pole
• Book carts
• Three book drops
• A globe
• Computers
• Equipment for the Youth Services Department
• Tables
• And more

Other Activities include:

• Distribution of books and magazines at the Gateway Regional Medical Center
• Sponsorship of author appearances and book signings (Granite City’s Pulitzer Prizewinning author, Robert Olin Butler, has given readings at the library, courtesy of the Friends)
• Sponsorship of presentations by guest speakers at meetings

The Friends of the Library provide our communities with several possibilities and opportunities that fall outside the capability of the Library District’s regular budget.

Newsletters and mailings announcing meetings and special events.

Free admission to the Book Fair on Preview Night.

Satisfaction from knowing you have taken an active role in improving your local library and your community.