Our Library Needs Friends
A Beginning Story to Revitalizing A Friends Group
A Beginning Story
Did you know that the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public libraries’ (MBCPL) operating budget is $14 per person? And, the national average is $44 per person. This means that, the library operates at around 70 percent below the national average.
This is the information that started the mission of revitalizing the Friends group of the Martinsburg-Berkely County’s main branch. You see, the amount of interlibrary loan requests that I, myself, make are definitely over $14. At the current market price, the complete box set of the Witcher Series by Andrzej Sapkowski is 45 smackroonies. Even the national average would not be large enough to feed my fantasy craze.
Why Did The Last Friends Group Dissolve
Of course, I need to do more research on this, but from what I heard, the group just died out naturally. No new members were being recruited, and Friends’ events were put on hold.
Our Current Issues
The Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public library needs to update their HVAC system as multiple rooms no longer have heating or air conditioning. We would like to raise money for this goal and the goal of new e-materials for the coming year. We welcome you to subscribe so that you can stay upto date on new fundrasing campaigns.
A First Draft
Hopefully, the above picture is one out of many flyers that this Friends group will have for future events. It and this blog post are amazing starting points to revitalizing the Friends of MBCPL.
What to Expect Next
During this whole entire month, Friends of MBCPL will be canvassing around Martinsburg, WV and the larger Berkeley County area. We also plan to setup other social media profiles and network with the other Friends groups (i.e. NBL and Hedgesville).
Please say hello if you see us at:
May 4th, 7am-8:30am: The Daily Grind (778 Foxcroft Ave, Martinsburg, WV 25401)
May 11th, 5pm-7pm: Interwoven Legacy Project Opening Day
May 13th-14th, 10am-5pm: Martinsburg Heritage Festival/Founders Day