On behalf of the executive board of FOML, I am pleased to announce the three 2011 FOML "You Work Hard and We Know It" grant winners. We had a number of excellent submissions and making the selections was not an easy process. In fact, we voted to increase the third award from $300 to $500 because the additional funds would ensure that the winning entity could do all they wanted to do.
1-Peabody Memorial Library in Jonesport will receive $750 to help accomplish several things. They plan to create a community needs survey, offer funding for a mileage reimbursement program for recruited volunteers that will expand delivery of books to home bound patrons. This is currently done by the librarian on her own time and at her own expense They will also do some cosmetic repairs to the children's area and use some funds for 'seed' money to create a mural in this area.
2-The Newport Cultural Center will use their $750 to purchase a computer that will be loaded with educational software, have a kid-friendly keyboard, headphones, and touch control monitor. It will not be connected to the internet, and will be reserved for kids under twelve years old. This will address the current problem of parents who need to use computers, but have to leave their children in the kid's area on the other side of the library. The children's librarian will work with kids and parents to improve/increase child literacy/computer literacy with this purchase.
3-The Soldiers Memorial Library in Hiram will use their $500 to buy two library book trucks with double-sided slanting shelves. These were identified as a need when staff started moving the thousands of books from both floors of the library in preparation for adding them to their new Library World catalog. The carts will not only make completion of the project easier and less physically stressful for staff and volunteers, they will serve as display areas for new books and themed collections as well as make re-shelving a faster and easier process.

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Please join us at our next regional gathering for good food and fellowship. This event is open to all, not just current members. Come meet members of FOML, chat about what Friends groups are doing currently to support their libraries, and enjoy dinner, too. PLEASE INVITE POTENTIAL FOML MEMBERS TO JOIN US!

Date and Location: Monday, October 17, 2011, 6:00-8:00pm Gibbs Library 40 Old Union Rd. Washington, ME 04574

If possible, advance reservation and payment is appreciated for the meeting. Please provide names of person/people planning to attend, the library they represent, and $5 per person to help defray the cost of food. (However, if you find you can attend at the last minute, you are welcome to simply come, and pay at the door).

Checks should be made out to “FOML” and sent to address below.

Mail:

Laurel T. Parker, FOML Treasurer
FOML Reservations
Windham Public Library
217 Windham Center Rd.
Windham, ME 04062

Questions?
Email: ltparker at windham.lib.me.us
Phone: Laurel T. Parker, 892-1908