Summer 2025 Newsletter

A PDF version is attached to this post for download. Printed copies will also be available at the circulation desk of your local library branch.

We appreciate your support of the Friends of the Augusta County Library Foundation!

June 2025 - Summer Newsletter

It’s officially summer, and the Friends of the Augusta County Library Foundation is turning up the heat on our support for young readers and the local libraries that engage and nurture them through fun, creative and informative programs. Read on for the latest news from the Friends.

Summer Reading Program 2025

This year’s summer reading program started June 1 and runs through July 31. For 2025, children, teens, and adults are exploring the many ways the arts enrich our lives. This year’s theme is “Color Our World,” and it is designed to inspire readers of all ages by encouraging them to dip into a wide variety of creative expressions

Sponsored by the Friends, the summer reading program makes it easy for children and families to keep reading and learning through summer vacation. This year, participants complete age-based activities that range from drawing and painting activities, storytelling and creative writing to trying their hands at virtual and hands-on projects. Completed activities are logged online and prizes are handed out for every badge earned. Participants who have completed all the challenges will be entered into the grand prize drawing.

The program’s finale will be held Saturday, July 26 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Churchville Elementary School ballpark. There will be games, activities, bounce houses, food, community vendors and the grand prize winner will be announced. Stop by the Friends’ table to play some cornhole and trivia, grab free bookmarks and stickers and take home some gently used books (while supplies last). While you’re enjoying the festivities, please consider joining our e-mail list and/or supporting the Friends with your membership or a donation.

Digging the Garden

Who hasn’t admired the flowers around the main library? Whether you see the flowers as you drive around the building or take the time to admire the plantings up close, you’re sure to appreciate how the perennial beds give a huge boost to the building’s curb appeal.

The Friends' work expanding and maintaining the flower beds was recently acknowledged by a local landscaping professional, according to Diane Decker, the Augusta County Library’s Public Services Manager and Volunteer Coordinator. She reported that the landscaper "complimented the amazing condition and appearance of the library gardens and was especially impressed with some of the varieties of plants that the library has on display!"

If you like gardening, learning more about flowering perennials and meeting fellow flower fans, join us Tuesdays from 9:00 till noon. For more information, contact friends@augustacountylibrary.org.

Did You Know?

The Friends manage the used book sale where gently used books and materials are available for purchase every day on the lower level of the Fishersville library. Volunteers are welcome to help sort and organize books Friday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. LEARN MORE

All branches offer a variety of community programming for kids and adults. With support from the Friends, library staff can offer programs that range from Legos creations and art projects, role-playing games and needlework crafts, to information sessions on reverse mortgages and worm composting. Check out the program calendar to find programming for you and your family.

Besides managing the book sale and supporting programming, the Friends also supply funding for audio books for individuals with disabilities, financial and tax workshops for residents, 3D printing supplies, professional development for library staff and for addressing emerging needs of the Augusta County Library system. Consider becoming a financial supporter of FALCF and join our group of book-loving, community-minded folks as we work to support the essential mission of local libraries.

You can check out much more than books, movies and puzzles. The Augusta County Library system has a seed library, and it lends out cake pans, Wi-Fi hotspots and tech devices. At the main library, patrons can check out a birdwatching backpack, book club supplies and kits for trying sous vide or induction cooking. More kits are being added all the time. Stop by the Fishersville branch to see how the library can expand your learning.

Upcoming Events

Sharks of the Chesapeake Bay

Monday, July 7, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, Fishersville

Join Kristen Sharpe, of the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences and Virginia Institute of Marine Science at William & Mary, for an informative virtual presentation on the sharks of the Chesapeake Bay region. Sharpe will include an overview of shark species and ecology and a shallow dive into research specific programs and scientific recovery information.

Garden Swap

Monday, July 28, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, Fishersville

Interested in swapping out your current plants for new ones? Want to share your gardening and plant knowledge with others? Stop by our Plant Swap! This event is an opportunity to trade and take plants, seeds, and gardening tools with other members of the community. All donated materials are free and any donations to the swap will be regarded as in-kind.

Play Music on the Porch Day

Saturday, August 30, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, Stuarts Draft

Join the Stuarts Draft Library to celebrate Play Music on the Porch Day. A day of enjoying and celebrating music, with the Ukaladies, Stuarts Draft Pipers Club, The Windbags and more local groups.

Quarterly Meeting

Thursday, September 4

6:00 pm at Fishersville

Come sit in on our next board meeting where we’ll discuss our latest fundraising efforts, advocacy on behalf of the library with local government and other items of interest to the county's library community.

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 of ACL Foundation

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

1759 Jefferson Highway, Fishersville, Virginia, United States, 22939

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