Friends of the Carrollton Public Library: President’s Annual Report

The Friends of the Carrollton Public Library has had a great year in 2017 and 2018 so far. Our board president, John Butzow, details the highlights of the year in the President’s Annual Report.

In the past year there have been numerous highs and lows which I will try to report briefly.

A year ago we welcomed two new Board members: John Butzow and Teri Guill as president and membership chairperson, respectively.  Sadly, this past year we also experienced the loss of longtime devoted Friend of the Library, Cora Suksumrit.

With Sue Hudibergh’s assistance in the transition and Teri’s commitment, the FOL website underwent a renovation and transition to a new hosting site.  Teri’s other efforts included redesign of the FOL book bags, bookmarks, FOL logo, and book sale flyers.

The biannual book sales continued as the primary focus of the Friends.  Many hours were spent each Saturday sorting and boxing donations as well as preparation in the weeks leading up to each sale.  The book sales contributed approximately $9,000 in revenue this past year, which is being used to fund various library children and adult activities.

The partnerships with  Kroger Community Awards and Amazon Smile continue to provide revenue from members’ participation in those programs – more information is available from any FOL board member for those interested in getting involved.  In addition, our partnership with Texas Book Consignments provides a significant revenue stream each quarter, the most recent amount exceeding $1300.

This past year FOL and the CPL launched the Sir Reads-a-Lot fundraising promotion, whose intention to spur financial support for the Library through recognition of patrons giving on an annual basis.  This program is in initial stages and hopes are for increased visibility for the Friends of the Library and promoting the need for community support of various library activities.

This summarizes the work of the Friends of the Carrollton Library during the twelve (12) month period from June 2017 to June 2018.

Financial Literacy Month Events at the Library

April is Financial Literacy Month, and the Carrollton Public Library, through the support of the Friends, is offering some great sessions to give you a leg up on financial topics like saving, investing, debt management, and more. This series aims to help people in their 20s and 30s better manage their money, eliminate student loan debt, buy that first house, and prepare for the future.

Saving and Investing
Learn about the rule of 72, how interest works, the 3 Ds of investing, and taxes.
4/10 Hebron & Josey Tuesday 7-8:30pm
4/14 Josey Ranch Lake Saturday 2-3:30pm

Debt Management
Why a credit score is important, first time home buying, and managing student loan debt.
4/17 Hebron & Josey Tuesday 7-8:30pm
4/21 Josey Ranch Lake Saturday 2-3:30pm

Protection
Do I really need life insurance and a will at 20 years old? And what legal documents are important when planning mine or my parents’ future?
4/24 Hebron & Josey Tuesday 7-8:30pm
4/28 Josey Ranch Lake Saturday 2-3:30pm

If you want to learn more about managing your finances, join one of these sessions this month.

Holiday Events at the Carrollton Public Library

We’re very excited about the fun Friends-funded activities that are coming up at the Carrollton Public Library for the holidays and winter break. Mark your calendars and join us for some of these great events during the holiday season.

Harry Potter Yule Ball

Attention Harry Potter fans of all ages! Join us at the Josey Ranch Lake library for our very own Yule Ball inspired by Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The party starts on December 29 at 6:30 pm.

In addition to the festive Yule Ball, complete with dancing and music, there will be Harry Potter themed crafts, games, and a photo booth. Dressing up is encouraged, so put on some semi-formal wear, formal wear, or your best wizarding robes!

Winter Wonderland

Got some little ones who aren’t in school yet? Stop by the Hebron and Josey Library on Wednesday, December 13 from 10:30-11:30 am to read stories with Mrs. Claus and meet Santa!

12 Days of Winter Break

It’s back! 12 Days of Winter Break is here again, with crafts, activities and more from December 26 to January 7. Visit the Library Calendar for activity details and times.

  • December 26: Snowman Scavenger Hunt
  • December 27: Make a Bird Feeder
  • December 28: Kwanzaa Instruments
  • December 30: Yoga for Kids
  • December 31: New Year’s Eve Party
  • January 2: Tangled Art and Movie
  • January 3: Snowy Day Bilingual Story
  • January 4: Zooflakes
  • January 5: Board Game Day
  • January 6: Finger Knitting
  • January 7: Story and Snow Globes

A New Look for the Friends

The Friends of the Carrollton Public Library has a new look!

We’ve got a new logo, a new website, and some other new things in the works. Stay tuned for more to come in 2018!