Spring 2025 Newsletter

Thank you for your continued support of Augusta County libraries! As a member of the Friends of the Augusta County Library Foundation (FACLF), you’re supporting literacy programs and enrichment activities for patrons of all ages, professional development for library staff, and beautification of library grounds.

How does FACLF enhance our libraries?

In 2024, FACLF provided over $25,000 in funding to ACL for program supplies, materials for specific activities, ACL staff professional development, and landscaping. Many popular services and programs are supported by FACLF including:

Wi-Fi hotspots: FACLF provides 100% of the funding to purchase and maintain 38 hotspots, providing patrons who live in areas of the county where internet service is weak or nonexistent a reliable way to connect to the internet. Since their introduction in 2021, these hotspots have been checked out nearly 1,000 times, providing a crucial service for many patrons (e.g., remote learning during COVID).

ACL programs: Any and all supplies needed for ACL programs are funded entirely by the FACLF. Hundreds of valuable learning activities would not happen without that support. Thanks to financial contributions from the Friends, county libraries can provide any needed supplies (e.g., craft supplies for hands-on No Sew Rope Baskets, snacks, materials or decorations for children’s programs or events). Over 1,000 programs each year for patrons of all ages have benefited from FACLF funding, including the summer reading program, which would not be possible without that support!

FACLF also provides support for many other activities and/or services including audio books for individuals with disabilities, 3D printing supplies, and professional development opportunities for library staff.

How can I get involved?

Besides becoming a financial supporter of FACLF, you can join our group of book-loving, community-minded folks as we work to support the essential mission of local libraries. Here are three easy ways to make new friends and support the county library system:

Book Sale

Did you know gently used donated books and materials are available for purchase at a fraction of the original cost? Used books are on sale every day on the lower level of the Fishersville library. You can help by spreading the word about the book sale and helping us sort and organize books. To help sort, drop by the Fishersville branch Friday mornings from 10 to noon, or email us for more information.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BOOK SALE

Gardening

It’s spring, and the Friends’ gardeners are weeding, mulching and preparing beds for spring, summer and fall flowers. Interested in helping and meeting fellow garden lovers? You can donate money or your time (even better!) to keep the flower beds at the Fishersville branch colorful, tidy and welcoming. Join us Tuesdays beginning April 15 from 9 A.M. to noon, or email us for more information.

Quarterly Meetings

Learn what else the FACLF is planning by attending the next meeting on Thursday, June 5. Friends gather at 6:00 pm at the Fishersville library to discuss how the organization can continue to have a transformative impact across the county, ensuring libraries remain vital community hubs.

For more ways to meet other readers, library lovers and community-minded people, be sure to check what's NEW with the Friends online, or check out the ACL activity calendar, available online or posted at your local branch.

More about the Friends

The non-profit FACLF was formed in January 2023 through a merger of the Friends of the ACL and ACL Foundation to provide additional financial support for library programming and resident services.

FACLF is also dedicated to keeping the community informed about library-related news and developments. This newsletter will keep you up to date with the Friends’ current and upcoming work to ensure Augusta County residents have easy and continued access to the vital services our libraries provide.

Join the Friends by signing up online, or pick up an FACLF brochure at your local library checkout counter.

Thank you for your support! Together we can make a difference in our community.

Connect with Us

We look forward to hearing from you!

Visit our website at friendsofalc.org

Email us at friends@augustacountylibrary.org