January is membership drive month — have you joined?
The Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library met on Wednesday night and voted unanimously to approve Director Diane Giarrusso’s 2024 programming funding request of $25,500, an increase of $4,250 over 2023. That sum covers adult, teen and children’s programming not paid for by the town.
There will be more in-person programming this year, though virtual programs are popular and will continue.
Assistant Library Director Nicole Goolishian shared that the library’s computers, Wi-Fi, printing, scanning and faxing will be offline on Friday, Jan. 5, for scheduled technology maintenance. The Library will close at 3:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 12 and 13, and will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15 to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. day.
Community members of all ages are invited to express their creativity with TPL’s first Tiny Art Show. The details are here. Goolishian says adult slots are almost full, so sign up soon.
The annual reading challenge started on Jan. 1. The “24 in ‘24” adult challenge can be done via Beanstack or on paper. Those details are here.
A new community challenge starts on Jan. 15. “Reading & Resolutions BINGO” challenges patrons to stick to their New Year’s resolutions by attending programs along themes including finances, fitness and socializing. Info is here.
2024 Fundraising Is Ongoing
January kicks off the annual membership drive. Friends President Mary Ann Taylor asks residents and businesses to consider beginning or renewing a membership, and for lifetime members to consider a donation.
Businesses and residents can join online at multiple levels, or download the form and drop it off or mail it.
Calendars are for sale at the Open Space Gift Shop on Main St., across from Tree House, through the end of this month. The cost is $10 (cash or check). The calendars feature original photographs, most of them of Tewksbury, taken by residents and donated for use. You can also pick up a calendar at the Library on these dates:
- Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, Jan. 8, 9 & 10 from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Jan. 13 from 9 a.m. – noon during the book donation drive
- Tuesday, Jan. 16 from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Or, find the Friends table at the two upcoming Winter Community Markets at the Senior Center, on Jan. 25 and Feb. 29. If you can volunteer to staff the Friends table and sell calendars, tote bags and cookbooks, sign up here.
Residents may also purchase Friends memberships at the Winter Markets.
A 5K Fun Run/Walk is being planned; anyone with experience fielding a road race who is willing to help out can contact the Friends here.
There is a Java Joe Fundraiser running for the next few months. In addition to coffee, both packaged and K-cup pods, you can purchase hot cocoa, Chai tea, smoothie mix, cookies, fudge and gluten-free baking mixes, with a portion of your purchase benefitting the Library. Use coupon code FREESHIP for orders over $150.
The first book 2024 donation drive is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Residents can drop off current books in good condition. Overstock will be donated to the Tewksbury State Hospital.
Proposed future donation dates are in March, May, September and November.
The Friends are also looking to repeat successful fundraising events, including quarterly dine outs. There will be a “breakfast for dinner” fundraiser at Vic’s Waffle House in March. Other ideas on the table include a cornhole tournament and a community yard sale in tandem with the Garden Club Plant Sale.
Looking for volunteer opportunities? Click here.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.
Lorna Garey
Lorna is a past and current Malden resident, U.S. Army veteran, and longtime tech and community journalist who has written for organizations ranging from the DIA to InformationWeek. In her previous hometown she founded a hyperlocal news site, the Tewksbury Carnation.
Be First to Comment