BATESVILLE — Friends of the Batesville Memorial Public Library was formed in January 2008, and since that time, the volunteer group has provided numerous materials and funding for various activities.

There are around 60 members, a dozen who are active ones, reports President Anne Baran. Other board members are Jinny Stewart, vice president; Elvira Sun, secretary; Sue Connelly, treasurer; and Jane Fitzpatrick and Frank Connelly, directors at large.

Some funding comes from dues, but the group’s biggest fundraisers are the used book/media sales. The next one is Thursday-Saturday, March 7-9, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the library annex, 10 W. Boehringer St. Friends members can shop early at 8:30 a.m. that Thursday.

Over 7,000 books, videos, CDs and books on tape will be available. Prices are hardbacks and videos, $1; paperbacks, 50 cents; children’s books, 25 cents. Book bags can also be purchased for $5.

Shoppers will have many fiction and nonfiction choices. “Some of the nonfiction categories include cooking, gardening, history and biography,” the president reveals. “We have some collector books this year ... We have someone who is helping us sell them online.

“We appreciate donations from the public, but we can’t use old magazines like Reader’s Digest or encyclopedias.”

Before the nonprofit was formed, Baran says, “The used book sales were run by the staff, but that was just another thing for them to do. We average around $1,000 per sale.”

Some of the items the group helps sponsor or purchase include After Hours concerts, an adult tea, summer reading program, author visits, craft programs, telescope accessories, books, periodicals and educational DVDs.

“We’re happy to support the library and to take a tiny bit of burden off the taxpayers. One of the neat things about being part of this group is people who have lived in town for years, but didn’t know each other are helping the library and getting to know each other.”

Stewart adds, “They have things in common, and that brings them together.”

Member Arlene Wachsmann notes, “It’s fun to be in the Friends.”

Baran points out, “We think we have the best library and want to do what we can to help.”





FRIENDS OF BMPL

• The next meeting is Wednesday, March 13, at 7 p.m. at the library. Meetings are usually held the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m.

• Dues are $5, Chum; $10, Buddy; $20, Pal; or $100, Best Friends Forever (lifetime membership). Forms are available in the library lobby or at the book sales.