Friends of the Sylvan Lake Library (FOSLL) restarted with a meeting held to bring “Friends” back together on Nov. 24.
The group is starting already in great shape with a few thousand dollars in the bank and several past members in the mix plus other people who were out-of-town interested as well.
Debbie Oostindie agreed to serve as interim secretary. Oostindie, a member of the library board called for the organizational meeting. “The library board sees the value of FOSLL and all the work that has been done for the community for years. We need to keep this going.”
Peter Mielke has stepped forward as president and John Lincoln as treasurer. Mielke said it is important that FOSLL do a few things really well and not overdo itself. “Our top priority is to approach community friends and members to sign-up. Immediate priorities also include promoting the Christmas raffle and annual book sales that bring needed money into the library.”
One idea discussed at the meeting was to bring in an author for children to share the love of reading. Other authors could be brought who write about interests of adults who are looking at life’s great dilemmas and joys.
Gail Hergenhein was nominated vice-president and will assist in the area of banking as well. Ian Oostindie joins the executive to assist with communications. Oostindie joined about two years ago for $10 just to support the library and attend a few functions. Then he helped at one of the events and now wants to do more.
“Libraries are not just for youth, they help all of us,” he said. “Even when I first moved to Sylvan, the only internet we had was in the library. Our family uses the music, books, meeting space and computers here.”
Those interested in supporting Friends of Sylvan Lake Library may contact one of the friends or drop in at the library. Annual membership is $10. “People who want to help with the next book sale can let us know by dropping by”, encouraged Mielke.
—Submitted