On November 8 The Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce presented its 2007 Civic Club of the Year award to The Friends of the Margaret Reed Crosby Library for all of its accomplishments. The award was accepted by Randy and Kathleen Holland.
The Friends of the Margaret Reed Crosby Library was established in September 1964. The Friends was the first one established in Mississippi. Its purpose is to serve the library and to provide volunteers. They sponsor programs and fundraisers to help in this endeavor. Among its many accomplishments, the Friends have contributed $6,500 toward new books, new projection equipment, The Library’s Children’s and Young People’s Programs, the new CD and DVD collections and some additional tables for the Cultural room.
In 2006, several events sponsored by the Friends included a musical program with Dr. Jazz, and a Victorian Tea and Silent Auction where over $1,000 was netted to be used for all the Library needs. They also provided funds for the Christmas Children’s Program. Refreshments and craft supplies were among the items purchased. Events are always well attended and topped off with great entertainment and lavish refreshments.
So far in 2007, the Friends have been busy sponsoring events and fundraising. In January a program was given on alternative fuels with a panel of experts and demonstrations. There were 53 people in attendance. For Easter, the Friends sponsored the Easter Silent Auction for Library patrons. Several hundred dollars was raised at this event. In June The Friends sponsored a Children’s Literary Tea and Silent Auction in conjunction with twelve local businesses. The young people, consisting of The Library Teens and Girl Scots, who helped to set up for the event were given instruction by the Friends. The Friends provided appropriate formal tea food and decorations for the event. Miss Teen Mississippi and Miss Picayune Junior Miss assisted in the program. The Friends raised $1,200 for the Library.
Grants are being written to help the Library obtain funds for various very important building projects; computers, Library materials, etc. These necessities are becoming increasingly more dependent on Community Out Reach. The Friends are endeavoring to bring as many individuals into the Library to see the amazing array of services that it has to offer the Community. Every cent for membership and from fund raising goes to help the Library in some manner.
The second Tuesday of every month at 8a.m. , a radio program sponsored by WRJW called “Focus on Pearl River County” is where the Pearl River Library System and the Friends share monthly airtime to keep the community current of its upcoming events. Also, The Friends will continue to send monthly announcements of events to the Picayune Item.