Sonoma County Library celebrates Friends of the Library Week

Sonoma County Library celebrates National Friends of the Library Week, October 15-21, 2023. In the bustling world of libraries, a group of unsung heroes works tirelessly to ensure that these institutions remain vibrant hubs of learning, knowledge, and community engagement. They are the Friends of the Library, a dedicated group of volunteers who play a crucial role in supporting and promoting the vital work of libraries.

“Friends of the Library are ardent supporters of libraries in their local communities,” said Erika Thibault, Sonoma County Library Director. “At their core, libraries exist to promote literacy and education, and Friends of the Library are instrumental in advancing this mission. They frequently raise funds, through book sales and other events, for programs that encourage reading, learning, and intellectual exploration, from children's reading sessions to thought-provoking author talks.”

In Sonoma County, there are 10 Friends groups. The Sonoma County Library Commission approved a resolution honoring the Friends on October 4, and dozens of Friends group members attended the commission meeting, where they were thanked and lauded for their volunteer contributions.

“In the digital age, the commitment of Friends of the Library remains unwavering. These unsung heroes continue to ensure that libraries remain essential cornerstones of our communities. Their dedication is a testament to the enduring value of libraries in an ever-evolving world, and Sonoma County Library is fortunate to have such a dedicated group of individuals as partners,” Thibault said.

To learn more about Friends of the Library, visit Sonomalibrary.org/Friends.