Community organizations depend on dedicated volunteers to carry out their mission. But in larger groups with many moving parts, volunteers often focus on their own projects and may never cross paths with others working in different areas.
The Friends of the Webster Public Library (FWPL) recognize that, so they make sure that at least twice a year they hold special events to bring all of their volunteers together for an hour of friendship, socialization, laughter and lots and lots of good food.
Every May this meeting/social event takes the form of a potluck lunch, with a dozen or more delectable dishes lined up along tables in the library’s community room. Every November, it’s a dessert reception; last Saturday, those tables were filled with cheesecakes, shortbreads, cookies, chocolate candies, even a cherry trifle. The event drew almost 50 volunteers from across the FWPL organization, men and women who volunteer at the book sales, in the lobby book store, manage publicity, serve on the board and more. And each one went home with a little gift to say thank you for their time and commitment.
Two of those volunteers received special recognition: Eileen Brookins and Winanne Messing. For many years, Winanne and Eileen were head of publicity for book sales and various other fundraisers, and they both served on the Friends’ Board of Directors before stepping down two years ago. Appropriately, each received a book inscribed with an individualized dedication recognizing their service. Once Winanne and Eileen have had a chance to read them, the books will become part of the library’s permanent collection.
And talking about the Book Sale …
These social events double as FWPL meetings, and at this last gathering, some pretty amazing details about this year’s book sales were reported.
The final figure from the most recent Fall Book Sale was an incredible $8,191.98 (including a portion of the proceeds from 70 Kittelberger flower cards sold during the sale). It’s been several years since the Friends topped the $8,000 mark, so that is a great accomplishment. The vintage book sales earned almost $3,200 on top of that this year as well. Those impressive figures can be attributed to all the donors, volunteers, shoppers and the incredible support of the Webster Community as a whole.
And did you know? Whatever books the Friends don’t sell are donated to Savers. They come down to the library, box them up and send them all over the country to other Savers locations to benefit other communities.
The Friends of the Webster Public Library are library supporters who are committed to strengthening the library and helping it provide the best service possible to the community. All of the funds they raise go directly to promote and support the Webster Public Library, its services, facilities, programs and needs. Click here to find out more about the organization and how you can become a member.
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(posted 11/20/2025)
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Great article, Missy! Thank you so much! Peg Ehmann
Oh, I’m so glad you liked it! What a terrific organization and I’m pleased to help support it.