Friends of the Big Rapids Library
Help us support literacy in Big Rapids!
Friends of the Library Board
Mark Vanderlist - President
Lynn Anderson - Vice President
Jerena Keys - Treasurer
Ena Dakkuri/Karen Motawi - Secretary
Our Mission
The Friends of the Big Rapids Community Library exists to promote knowledge of our library and to enhance its value to the community. In an effort to support the development of library services and facilities, the Friends work to purchase materials and equipment with money raised, continue programs that promote literacy and a love of reading, and develop new programs that will advance the goals of the Big Rapids Community Library.
We support programs such as:
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Summer Reading Programs & Activities
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Catch 'em in the Cradle (books for newborns)
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Expansion of eBook delivery & devices
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Preschool Story Times
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Homebound Delivery (for homebound & elderly patrons)
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Book Discussion Groups
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Adult Literacy Tutor Training
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Continued enhancements to indoor & outdoor spaces at the Library
Fundraisers include:
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Annual Used Book Sale (Labor Day Weekend)
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Chicken BBQ at the Sawmill Saloon (June)
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Character Breakfasts (Spring and Fall)
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Endowment Fund
General membership meetings are held each April and November, while board meetings are held at 4:00 PM on the first Wednesday of each month at the Library. Anyone is welcome to attend our meetings!
We are always accepting new members and volunteers! If you are interested in joining our organization as a donating member, you may mail or deliver a check in person to:
Friends of the Big Rapids Community Library
426 S. Michigan Avenue
Big Rapids, MI 49307
Annual membership fees are as follows:
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Individual - $15
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Family - $30
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Book Lover - $50
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Corporate - $100
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Benefactor - $150
If you are interested in volunteering or becoming an active member, there are many areas where we can have you help. These areas include:
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Volunteer hours to assist the Library Staff
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Fundraising events
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Used Book Sales
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Summer Reading Program & Activities
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Catch 'em in the Cradle
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Preschool Story Time
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Endowment Fund
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Newsletters, Facebook, and/or website
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Outdoor spaces and landscaping
The Friends of the Big Rapids Community Library is a 501(C)3 organization. Your donations are tax deductible.