MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

June 19, 2010

Quality is key for library nonprofit

Rebecca Walkup
Nonprofit Buzz

— Formed in the late 1970s, Friends of the Muskogee Public Library became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in early 2008. The group’s mission is to enrich the quality of the Muskogee Public Library with services and resources. In keeping with this mission, members are considered to be public relations volunteers and advocates for the library in the community. They are excited about the possibilities being considered for revitalizing the library as a vital community resource.  

Another focus of Friends of Muskogee Public Library is on helping to fund children’s programs at the library. Each year the organization makes a donation to the children’s summer reading program. These funds are allocated at the discretion of the children’s librarian for special resources, new materials and snacks and supplies for events and programs.

This year’s summer programs are in full swing with the theme “Make a Splash — Read.” Events still to come include regular appearances by Science Dude throughout the summer; Fu-Ling-U Magic, and Underwater Creatures in June; and Humor on the High Seas, Shark Zone, and Splashdown in July. Registration is open through July.

In addition to sponsoring children’s programs at the library, the group has funded such projects as the purchase of a sound system for the library, provided volunteers to help with the library’s book sale fundraiser, and assisted the library advisory board in coordinating a painted chair auction to raise money for the purchase of new chairs for the library meeting rooms.

Friends of the Muskogee Public Library meets the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Grant Foreman Room at the library. Meetings begin at 11:30 with a sandwich lunch, and the program takes place from noon to 1 p.m., making it convenient for members to attend during the lunch hour. Each month, a member of the community is invited to present a book review on a book of their choosing. Presentations range from biographies and non-fiction to all types of fiction. President Susan Asquith said there is no topic that is not of interest to the group. Michael Dunn will review “A year of Living Biblically” by A.J. Jacobs at the June meeting. In addition to book reviews, other programs offered at the noon meetings include science demonstrations and musical entertainment. Anyone is welcome to give a book review or other presentation to the group.

The group is always seeking new members, and Jan Bryant, head of the library, says an evening friends of the library group could be formed to encourage participation by individuals who are unable to attend the noon meetings. Annual membership dues of $5 are collected in June and July, so now is the perfect time to join.

Information: Vice President Susan Bilby, 683-3801.

If you would like to recommend an organization for an upcoming column, reach Rebecca Walkup at rwalkup@muskogeenonprofits.org.