Frederick County Public Libraries (FCPL) Friends of the Library groups, like FURL, are non-profits existing to support the individual libraries in our local communities. Volunteers, fundraisers, and events support our library system, and that library system supports us right back; FCPL invited all of the Friends leaders to an engaging Leadership Lunch earlier at the end of 2022.
FCPL has nine branches across the county (as well as two bookmobiles!), and eight of the libraries currently have their own Friends organization. Representatives from FURL met up with Friends from Walkersville, Brunswick, Point of Rocks, Emmitsburg, Middletown, Myersville, and Thurmont.
Our leadership luncheon was hosted at the lovely Myersville Community Library, complete with a tour by Robin Goetz, Children’s Services Supervisor at the branch. We were also able walk-through one of the original trolley cars on display.
The Myersville Community Library location used to be a former elementary school which also once served as the town hall. It was demolished and renovated by Noelker and Hull into this beautiful community space, which opened to the public in 2019. Credit: noelkerhull.com
A few attendees from each Friends group, as well as some library branch administrators, enjoyed collaborating about our shared successes and common challenges during open discussions. FCPL Development Officer Jess El-Zeftawy welcomed us and shared fundraising best practices. FCPL Director James Kelley delivered a State of the Library update, and Associate Director Shelia McDuff overviewed short-term and long-term fundraising goals.
Each Friend in attendance that day left with networking connections, motivation, support, and a thoughtful FCPL gift bag of branded items. Did we mention the full stomach and a full heart for this group of volunteers, as well! We look forward to the larger Friends event FCPL is planning for the first part of 2023.
Thank you, FCPL, for inviting FURL and our other branch Friends to a fantastic Leadership Lunch! Your support enables us to make our library an even better place in our community.
Check out all of the Friends of the Frederick County Public Libraries.
The representative Friends officers and volunteers from across Frederick County.
Jess El-Zeftawy, FCPL Development Officer, planting seeds of swag/fundraising merchandise motivation.