Q: What is the ‘Friends of Massapequa Library’?
A: The Friends of Massapequa Library exists to:
- Advocate for our library as a life-long learning resource
- Promote our library as an information & technology center
- Fund additional library programs and services
- Sponsor library and Friends public events
- Involve participation by everyone in our community
Q: Is this a new idea?
A: No. Massapequa’s library was started by “Friends of the Library” in the early 1950’s. They helped build and operate the first library in Massapequa. We’re the new version of that group.
Q: Why do we need a ‘Friends’ group? I already pay library taxes!
A: We can do things the library can’t do for legal or other reasons, like:
- Bring popular authors to speak who want to sell their books while they’re here – the library itself can’t do that.
- As an independent charitable organization, we can raise money to supplement the library budget your taxes pay for (like new technology or special events). (That helps the library’s Board of Trustees to keep our taxes low!)
Q: Why should I or my family join?
A: As a member, you know that your contributions go directly to the library and to support our events. We’re the only independent organization that exists just for that purpose. In the future, members will receive discounts for Friends events or other benefits. Student members can join for $5 or 5 hours of service (which also satisfies local Community Service requirements, including Massapequa High School.
Q: Who runs this group?
A: Our members elect our Officers and Board of Directors (who also serve as our officers), and approve our contributions to the library once a year. During the year, the Board of Directors and officers ‘run’ the organization with members who volunteer to help us plan and run our activities (see below).
We’re a not-for-profit charitable corporation, independent from the library and its Board of Trustees. More importantly, we’re people who live in the Massapequas who love our library and want to support it. We also care about our community; we especially want to help the library expand ways to attract teens and expand programs for them. Our library is our “community center”, and we want to help it do more.
Q: How can I get involved?
A: Join the Friends! Your modest membership fees will be used to support the Library. Please volunteer to serve on one of our committees. Help plan or attend our author talks, book sales, and other activities. Cash donations are also welcome.
Q: What activities are the Friends planning?
A: The priority of the Friends at this time is to attract and recruit members and volunteers.
All current events have been postponed until further notice. Past events include, the annual book sale, author night, summer fling party, card night and other entertaining experiences!