Friends

HAWN MEMORIAL LIBRARY 

(315) 686-3762

  A HISTORY OF

THE FRIENDS OF HAWN MEMORIAL LIBRARY

Prepared in 2004 by Mary Krahn  

Fourteen ladies met in the original Hawn Memorial Library conference room at 2:00pm on Sunday, September 29^th, 1991 , to explore with long-time library volunteer Elinore Massey the advantages of forming a “Friends of the Library” group in Clayton.  Elinore was well prepared with sample outlines for service, as well as examples of rather general by-laws; and after discussion, it was agreed that a service organization of this type would indeed be helpful to both the library and longtime librarian, Virginia Minnick.  Basically, it was agreed that members would serve as volunteer workers at the library, help at book sales, hostess social functions promoting the library, and embark on fund-raising projects to support financially the purchase of needed supplies and equipment.  Until a general meeting was called, a temporary slate of officers was appointed, led by President Judy Artus, who has since moved from the area.  

By the second meeting in October, the by-laws had been edited to apply to the Hawn group, membership dues were established, a promotional brochure was prepared by Elinore, and committees were appointed.  Voting to approve the by-laws was done at the library from November 21 to December 7, 1991 ; and they were unanimously approved.  Charter memberships would include any member joining through September, 1992.

Presidents throughout the ensuing years have included:

Volunteers from the Friends have donated countless hours toward fund raising activities and assisting the library director with many jobs throughout the thirteen years of the Friends existence; thereby enabling the procurement of books, tapes, programs, furniture, equipment, and supplies that would otherwise not have been available for library patrons.  Over the years, the Friends have had yard, craft, and bake sales, sold imprinted items, held raffles, helped set up and sell at the annual book sale – just to name a few – in order to raise the necessary funds to accomplish our goals.  

Currently we are maintaining a membership listing of fifty-one family units, fifteen of which are lifetime members, including two “specials,” artists Jan Byington and Gladys White, who have generously donated their framed art prints for raffles.  In spite of all this, unfortunately, lethargy affected the group in recent years, and the result was that most of the workload fell on just a few of the “old faithful” members.  That definitely was not a good indicator for success to continue in lieu of “old faithful burnout!”  

Presently, however, that situation is in the process of being radically changed.  Exciting things are developing as Marilew shares her expertise and leadership skills in the complete reorganization of our group.  We are redirecting our purposes and undertakings, thereby enabling our group “to enhance and promote awareness of the library and its services within our river community,” which, by the way, has become our mission statement.  As one of the original charter members, I encourage you all to roll up your sleeves and rededicate yourselves to working earnestly for this most important organization.  You are desperately needed, and you will find it a most deserving reward for your time and talent donation!  

MEMBERSHIP IN THE FRIENDS

Lifetime one time only memberships

   Dues may be left at Hawn Library or sent to the Treasurer:  

 Nellie Mae Schauer

  14494 Danenwald Road

  Clayton , New York 13624 .